Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in only a limited number of foods. However, your body produces the vitamin when you receive ultra-violet rays from sunlight on your skin. Once synthesized in the skin or obtained from food, it must go through two more processes so that it can be used by your cells. The first process occurs in the liver and the second in the kidneys.
Function of Vitamin D
The major function of vitamin D in the body is to help balance normal levels of calcium and phosphorus. Your body uses vitamin D to help absorb calcium, which is used to create and maintain strong bones. Vitamin D also functions to maintain a strong immune system, plays a role in the secretion of insulin and helps regulate your blood pressure.
Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency is a world-wide epidemic. According to the Vitamin D Council, 2010 estimates indicate that greater than 50 percent of the global population is at risk for deficiency; deficiencies have been found across all age groups and all populations. Exposure to the sun, reduced ability to absorb vitamin D, abnormal metabolism and resistance to the effects of vitamin D are causes for deficiency. Signs of vitamin D deficiency are widespread and can sometimes mimic other illnesses. According to MayoClinic.com, diseases that are treatable with vitamin D supplementation include low blood levels of phosphate, Fanconi syndrome, hyperparathyroidism, hypocalcemia, psoriasis and osteomalacia.
Nerve Pain and Muscle Pain
Vitamin D deficiency has also been associated with muscle weakness and pain in both adults and children. However, Merck Manuals Online Medical Library lists muscle aches, weakness and bone pain as signs of deficiency. While you may experience muscle pain, vitamin D deficiency does not lead to nerve pain.
Sources and Supplementation
According to WomanToWoman.com, to help prevent deficiency, you should allow yourself a limited amount of unprotected sun exposure -- about 15 minutes -- in the early morning or late afternoon, so your body can produce vitamin D. Eating a diet that is rich in whole, unprocessed foods will increase the amount of vitamin D you absorb from your foods. You may also consider a multivitamin or vitamin D supplement, but should consult with your primary care physician prior to adding any supplementation to your medical regimen.
References
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
- MayoClinic.com; Vitamin D; April 1, 2011
- Linus Pauling Institute; Vitamin D; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; March 2004
- VitaminDCouncil.org: Vitamin D Deficiency: A Global Epidemic
- Merck Manuals Online Medical Library; Vitamin D; April 2007
- WomenToWomen.com: Is Vitamin D Deficiency Casting a Cloud Over Your Health?; Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP; April 20, 2011
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