Vitamin D Deficiency Management

According to a study of the general population in the May 2002 edition of the journal "Bone," between 25 and 55 percent of adults in the United States have a vitamin D deficiency. A low vitamin D level is associated with medical problems, including osteoporosis, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Proper management of vitamin D deficiency can help to improve health.

Definition of Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency is a blood concentration less than 20 nanograms per milliliter, or ng/mL, according to an article in the December 9, 2008, issue of the "Journal of the American College of Cardiology." A blood level between 21 to 29 ng/mL is a vitamin D insufficiency. The ideal concentration of vitamin D is at least 30 ng/mL.

Factors Influencing Deficiency

As reported by an article in the March 2008 edition of "Alternative Medicine Review," limited skin exposure to sunlight increases the likelihood of developing vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is common among people living in northern and colder climates; however, people living in warmer climates may also be deficient if they avoid going outside or cover their bodies with clothing or sunblock. People with darker skin are at higher risk, as their skin needs more sun exposure time than lighter-skinned people. The elderly are also at greater risk because their bodies produce less vitamin D than younger adults. Obese individuals are more prone to deficiency, as fat cells absorb vitamin D.

Testing

A blood test detects vitamin D deficiency and can determine the amount of vitamin D needed to restore it to healthy levels. According to an article in the August 2010 issue of "Mayo Clinic Proceedings," people who are at risk for or are suspected of having a vitamin D deficiency should be tested and evaluated by a health care practitioner. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include bone pain, muscle weakness, feeling heavy in the legs, low energy and tiring easily, according to the "Alternative Medicine Review" article.

Treatment

Several options exist for treating vitamin D deficiency, according to the "Alternative Medicine Review" article. Spending more time in sunlight is one way to increase vitamin D levels. Another method is being exposed to artificial UVB sunlight, such as a tanning bed. Spending 10 to 15 minutes in sunlight or artificial UVB sunlight will expose the skin to more than 10,000 international units of vitamin D. The article noted that one or two exposures per week may be enough to maintain adequate vitamin D levels. Sunburn should be avoided when exposing the skin to reduce the risk of melanoma. The third method is taking vitamin D supplements. The "Journal of the American College of Cardiology" article reported that vitamin D experts suggest a daily dietary or supplemental intake of 800 IU to 2,000 IU.