Adult men should receive between 5 and 15mcg of vitamin D each day to maintain a healthy body, according to health professionals with the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. If you do not receive enough vitamin D on a daily basis, you may be at risk of developing vitamin D deficiency. The effects of vitamin D deficiency are similar in both men and women and should be discussed with a medical professional if they develop.
Heart Attack
Men who have low levels of vitamin D in their blood may be more likely to have a heart attack than men with healthy vitamin D levels. In a study published in the June 2008 issue of "Archives of Internal Medicine," Dr. Edward Giovannucci and colleagues reported that men with vitamin D levels equal to or less than 15 ng/mL were at an increased risk of myocardial infarction -- also known as a heart attack. These results persisted even when Giovannucci and colleagues controlled for factors commonly associated with heart disease, such as body mass index, high blood pressure, alcohol consumption and elevated cholesterol levels. Men who experience heart attack symptoms, such as sudden chest or upper body pain, or difficulty breathing, should seek immediate medical care to prevent life-threatening complications.
Weakness
Low levels of vitamin D may cause sensations of weakness in men with this condition. You may have difficulty performing your normal physical activities, such as lifting heavy objects at work, carrying your child or climbing up a flight of stairs. If you have severely low levels of vitamin D, sensations of weakness may affect your ability to stand without assistance, according to Patient UK. These effects of vitamin D deficiency arise due to the softening of your bones -- a condition called osteomalacia.
Gait Abnormalities
If you develop osteomalacia due to inadequate vitamin D levels, you may experience difficulty walking. Your may notice that you feel unstable or begin to waddle when you attempt to walk normally. A waddling gait may also increase your risk of tripping or falling while you move about. Seek care from your medical provider if you develop any unusual changes to your normal gait.
Bone or Muscle Pain
Men with vitamin D deficiency may also experience uncomfortable sensations of pain that radiate through the bones or muscles of their bodies. You may notice sensations of dull, aching pain across your lower spine or pelvic or down into your legs, MayoClinic.com says. Though sensations of pain are typically mild, they may increase in severity if your vitamin D levels remain low. Muscle or bone pain may also contribute to feels of weakness or fatigue. Talk with your physician if you experience chronic or progressive muscle or bone pain to ensure you receive appropriate treatment and care.
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