Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin important in the growth, development and healing of bone. Fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin D are stored in the liver and fatty tissues, so a regular daily intake of the vitamin might not be necessary. Despite this, vitamin D deficiency is common and can cause rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults.
Sources
Vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, is the active form of vitamin D. It is formed in the skin as a result of exposure to direct sunlight. Other sources of vitamin D are fortified foods, such as cereals, milk and other dairy products, and fatty fishes. Human breast milk only contains a small amount of vitamin D, so the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies who are exclusively and partially breast-fed receive vitamin D supplementation until they are weaned and taking either vitamin D-fortified formula or whole milk.
Causes
The most common cause of vitamin D deficiency is lack of exposure to direct sunlight. Vitamin D deficiency occurs in groups of people who spend most of their time indoors, such as the elderly in nursing homes and other institutionalized people; those who cover their bodies completely for religious reasons; and in exclusively breastfed infants who do not take vitamin D supplements and who are not exposed to sunlight. Other causes include conditions that impair the absorption of vitamin D from the gastrointestinal tract, such as cystic fibrosis, and certain kidney and liver conditions that limit the conversion of vitamin D to its active form.
Symptoms
In children, the main symptom of vitamin D deficiency is rickets. Children with rickets have delayed growth, muscle weakness and bone pain. The condition causes softening of the bones, leading to deformities such as bowing of the legs and curvature of the spine. Adults with vitamin D deficiency can develop osteoporosis, a condition that weakens the bones and predisposes them to fractures, even with minor trauma.
Treatment
The main treatment for vitamin D deficiency includes exposure to sunlight and taking vitamin D supplements. Initial therapy for vitamin D deficiency includes high dose oral or injected vitamin D supplements for one to two months or longer. Consuming a balanced diet with vitamin D-fortified products is important for long-term prevention of these conditions.
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