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Deficiency in Vitamin D

Feb 16, 2011 | By Rae Uddin

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient the human body needs for a variety of processes, including bone and cell growth, inflammation regulation and immune system and muscle function. Unfortunately, an estimated 41.6 percent of adults in the United States are deficient in vitamin D, according to a study published in the January 2011 issue of "Nutrition Research." The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is even higher among children. In fact, nearly 70 percent of children have low vitamin D levels, reports Dr. Juhi Kumar in an August 2009 "Pediatrics" article. If you have questions or concerns regarding vitamin D deficiency, seek additional care from your primary physician.

Causes

The primary cause of vitamin D deficiency is insufficient exposure to sunlight. Normally, ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun penetrate your skin and stimulate the production of vitamin D. Elderly people, who often do not spend much time outside, and Muslim women, who frequently keep their bodies covered for religious reasons, are at the highest risk of developing a vitamin D deficiency due to lack of sunlight exposure. Newborn infants may be at risk of developing low vitamin D levels because breast milk contains only small amounts of this nutrient. Low vitamin D levels may also occur if you have a health condition that makes it difficult for your body to absorb vitamin D or if your body isn't able to convert this nutrient into its active, usable form.

Child Symptoms

Children and infants with low vitamin D levels typically develop a condition called rickets. Rickets is characterized by weak, soft bones. Common symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in children include bone pain and fractures, dental deformities, delayed growth and skeletal abnormalities. In the absence of appropriate levels of vitamin D, your child may develop numerous dental deformities or exhibit a pronounced curvature of the spinal column. Infants may have an unusually soft scalp or may have difficulty reaching age-appropriate developmental milestones, such as crawling or walking. Children with vitamin D deficiency may also be shorter in stature than healthy children of the same age. Consult your child's pediatrician as soon as possible if your child exhibits symptoms associated with a vitamin D deficiency.

Adult Symptoms

Adults who are deficient in vitamin D commonly develop a condition similar to rickets called osteomalacia. People with osteomalacia have abnormally soft bones and may experience symptoms of bone pain and muscle weakness. These symptoms most frequently affect the legs, pelvis, lower spine and arms and may significantly interfere with your ability to move about normally without assistance. Vitamin D deficiency may also increase an adult's risk of developing osteoporosis, a degenerative bone condition in which the bones become abnormally thin. Osteoporosis may cause symptoms of neck and low back pain, fractures following minor injuries and stooped posture. Discuss these symptoms of vitamin D deficiency with your medical provider if they arise.

Treatment

Generally, vitamin D supplements are given to people with vitamin D deficiency to help restore their blood levels of this nutrient. Vitamin D supplements may be given orally or by injection, depending upon your needs. The dosage of vitamin D is dependent upon your age and health status and should be discussed with your doctor. Infants with low vitamin D levels may be given vitamin D supplements or fed vitamin D-rich formula. Typically, treatment with vitamin D supplements continues for at least one to two months or longer. Low vitamin D levels are often associated with low calcium and phosphate levels. If you are deficient in calcium or phosphate in addition to vitamin D, your doctor may also recommend treatment with a calcium or phosphate supplement.

References

Article reviewed by Lisa Michael Last updated on: Feb 16, 2011

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