Vitamin D deficiency can cause numerous side effects. Vitamin D is an important fat-soluble vitamin that plays a significant role in many of your body's functions. Your body stores vitamin D, and it can also generate vitamin D if your skin is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D is found in certain foods, including milk and fortified cereals. If you develop a vitamin D deficiency, you may experience serious health complications.
Osteomalacia
Osteomalacia is a side effect of vitamin D deficiency. According to the MedlinePlus website, osteomalacia is the softening of your bones caused by a lack of vitamin D or a condition in which your body is unable to break down and use vitamin D. You are at risk for vitamin D deficiency and osteomalacia if you use strong sunscreen, get limited exposure to sunlight, live at northern latitudes, live in an urban environment polluted by smog, are elderly and do not consume sufficient amounts of milk products. Common signs and symptoms associated with osteomalacia include bone pain in your lower spine, pelvis and legs; decreased muscle tone; arm and leg weakness; decreased ability to ambulate; and a waddling gait.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a possible side effect of vitamin D deficiency in adults. Osteoporosis is a condition in which your bones become porous. Porous bones have decreased bone mineral density and abnormal bone structure. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, as your bones become less dense, they become weaker. Common signs and symptoms associated with osteoporosis include severe back pain, stooped posture, decreased height over time and fractures of your vertebrae, wrists, hips and other bones. The American Association of Retired Persons, or AARP, states that the levels of vitamin D in your body are directly related to the strength of your bones. Vitamin D deficiency is common among certain adults, especially the elderly, and it leads to rapid age-related decreases in your bone mineral density. Decreased bone mineral density increases your likelihood of experiencing a fracture.
Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain is a possible side effect of vitamin D deficiency in adults. According to the Spine Universe website, vitamin D has been associated with chronic musculoskeletal pain, including back pain. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. Without adequate vitamin D, you do not get enough calcium. Without enough calcium, your bones can weaken, causing you to experience bone, joint or musculoskeletal pain. The Johns Hopkins Health Alerts website states that studies have found that vitamin D levels are lower in people with osteoporosis and back pain than in people without back pain. If you have vitamin D deficiency-related muscle pain, an increase in vitamin D via vitamin D supplementation may reduce your muscle pain. If you have chronic low back pain, you should consult a qualified healthcare professional to determine the exact cause or causes of your pain.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin D
- MedlinePlus: Osteomalacia
- MayoClinic.com: Osteomalacia
- National Osteoporosis Foundation: What Is Osteoporosis?
- AARP Bulletin: Vitamin D to the Rescue The sunshine vitamin helps bones, hearts, minds, moods
- Spine Universe: Vitamin D Can Reduce Back Pain
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