Vitamin D occurs in two forms: D2 and D3. Vitamin D3 exists naturally and is synthesized in the skin under sunlight. Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium in the gut; deficiency of vitamin D results in hypocalcemia or low blood calcium. Vitamin D plays a major role in the development and hardening of bone.
The Heart
The heart is a vital organ that has to function properly. The heart receives oxygen rich blood from the lungs and pumps it to the body; it also receives oxygen poor blood from the body and pumps it to the lungs. Vitamin D is needed to absorb calcium adequately in the gut. The heart muscle needs calcium to work efficiently. Vitamin D deficiency leads to low calcium, which is a problem for the heart.
Complications
Low dietary intake of vitamin D and inadequate sunlight exposure are major causes of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency leads to low blood calcium. Low blood calcium affects how the heart works and can cause an irregular pulse. When calcium is too low in the blood it can can even cause irreversible heart failure. Vitamin D deficiency also leads to poor mineralization of bone, due to low calcium in the blood, and this weakens the bones. Calcium is needed to strengthen bone. Low blood calcium also causes an increased release of parathyroid hormone which is produced by the parathyroid gland; this causes the breakdown of bone in order to release calcium to the blood.
Associated Symptoms
When blood-borne calcium is too low, it can cause shortness of breath while laying down, as well as swelling of legs and belly. Low blood calcium also causes tetany, which is a condition of uncontrollable muscle contractions. Tetany causes abnormal sensations on the lips, tongue and fingers and abnormal twitching of the facial muscles. The increased release of parathyroid hormone makes the bone fragile and makes it more likely to fracture. Bone and joint pain are major complaints associated with an increase in parathyroid hormone. Depression, belly pain, nausea and generalized weakness are other symptoms that may be seen.
Assessment
The various complications associated with vitamin D deficiency can make initial diagnosis difficult but a simple blood test can provide a big clue. To confirm vitamin D deficiency, a blood sample is collected and sent to a lab, where it is tested for concentration of active vitamin D or 25OHD. The concentration of 25OHD is normal if it is greater than 30 nanograms per milliliter, or ng/mL; if less than 30 ng/mL it is abnormal. Vitamin D deficiency is defined as a 25OHD concentration less than 20 ng/ml.
Management
Vitamin D supplementation and diet and lifestyle changes are major ways of addressing vitamin D deficiency. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services advises the use of vitamin D at doses of 700 to 800 international units, or IUs, with 500 to 1,200 mg of calcium; this has proven to reduce the likelihood of fractures. Foods like fish, eggs, vitamin D-fortified milk and cod liver oil are abundant sources of vitamin D and should be considered when making dietary modifications.
Member Comments