Leading Cause Of Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that maintains proper blood calcium levels. Vitamin D is also important for a healthy immune system, and deficiencies are associated with depression, chronic fatigue and pain syndromes, according to the Vitamin D Council. Vitamin D is provided in the diet and is produced in the skin on exposure to sunlight. Vegetarians and those who avoid sun exposure are at risk for deficiency.

Vitamin D Functions

Vitamin D helps maintain calcium levels within a narrow range. This is essential for healthy nerves and bones. By inhibiting the spread of undifferentiated cells, vitamin D may also help decrease your risk of cancer. Evidence also exists that vitamin D enhances your immune system and prevents autoimmune diseases, according to Linus Pauling Institute. The vitamin also plays a part in blood pressure regulation, and in keeping blood sugar stable.

Vitamin D Sources

Animal products such as fatty fish and dairy are the best dietary sources of vitamin D. Fortified foods including breakfast cereal and orange juice are other sources. It is recommended that adults get 600 IU of vitamin D per day. If you are over age 70, aim for 800 IU. On exposure to sunlight, your skin is able to produce vitamin D from cholesterol.

Deficiency

Rickets in children, or osteomalacia in adults, is caused by vitamin D deficiency. This disease is characterized by softening and weakening of the bones. It may also be caused by a lack of calcium and phosphate in the diet. Muscle weakness and pain are other symptoms of low vitamin D levels.

Inadequate Sunlight

According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin D deficiency typically occurs in those whose skin does not produce enough vitamin D. For example, the elderly and dark-skinned individuals synthesize less vitamin D than younger, fair-skinned folks. If you work indoors or live in a climate with little sunlight, your vitamin D levels may be low. In addition, sunscreen with an SPF factor of 8 or more reduces the amount of vitamin D your skin is able to produce by 95 percent or more.

Insufficient Dietary Intake

Failing to get enough vitamin D from your diet is the other major cause of vitamin D deficiency. Because vitamin D is mainly found in animal products, if you are a vegetarian or avoid milk products you may be at risk of consuming too little vitamin D. Less common are digestive disorders such as pancreatitis and celiac sprue, which decrease your body's ability to adequately absorb the vitamin D present in food.

Vitamin D Deficiency Syndrome

Vitamin D deficiency syndrome, or VDDS, occurs in people with vitamin D levels of 50 ng/mL or less, in association with conditions including cancer, depression, chronic pain or chronic fatigue. This syndrome is more common if you avoid the sun or are dark-skinned or elderly, according to the Vitamin D Council. If you experience these conditions or have heart disease, high blood pressure or osteoporosis, check with your doctor to see whether determining your vitamin D level is right for you.