Hyperparathyroidism is a disorder that occurs when glands in your neck, called parathyroid glands, produce too much of a hormone called PTH. In one form of the disorder, called secondary hyperparathyroidism, problems stem from abnormally low levels of the mineral calcium. In turn, low calcium levels can stem from abnormally low levels of vitamin D.
Secondary Hyperparathyroidism Basics
The presence of PTH helps your body regulate your blood and bone levels of calcium, vitamin D and another mineral called phosphorus. If your calcium levels fall too low, your parathyroid glands try to compensate by releasing abnormally high amounts of PTH. In turn, higher levels of PTH make your body pull extra calcium from your bones and increase the rate of calcium reabsorption in your kidneys and intestines. Potential consequences of these changes include swelling in your joints, bone deformities, heart problems, a low blood count, bone fractures and changes in your body's normal processing of sugar and fat.
Kidney Failure
Before you can use the vitamin D in your body, it must go through a chemical transformation that starts in your liver and ends in your kidneys. The active form of the vitamin that emerges from your kidneys is known as calcitriol. In most cases, the low-calcium problems associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism begin when your kidneys fail and no longer produce enough calcitriol, reports the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons. Kidney failure also lowers your calcium levels by increasing your phosphorus levels. Over time, the effects of hyperparathyroidism negatively alter your parathyroid glands' normal responses to both vitamin D and calcium.
Other Vitamin D-Related Problems
Another potential source of low vitamin D levels and secondary hyperparathyroidism is poor intestinal absorption of the vitamin D content of your food. You can also develop the disorder if you don't get sufficient sunlight exposure, if your diet contains insufficient amounts of vitamin D or if you take any drug or medication that disrupts your body's ability to properly break down the vitamin. In addition, you can develop secondary hyperparathyroidism if you have a calcium- and vitamin D-related bone disorder called rickets.
Treatment and Considerations
If you have chronic kidney failure, your doctor will likely give you vitamin D and calcium and ask you to stay away from foods that contain phosphorus, or phosphate. If you have a deficiency related to a vitamin D disorder, your doctor can give you a special prescription form of the vitamin. You may be able to avoid secondary hyperparathyroidism altogether if your doctor diagnoses and treats rickets or other vitamin D disorders in their early stages. Early treatment of kidney failure can also minimize the effects of the condition. Consult your doctor for more information on parathyroid gland problems and low vitamin D.
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