Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus needed for strong bones. Unlike other vitamins, few foods are natural sources of vitamin D. Ultraviolet B rays from the sun actually convert cholesterol in the skin into vitamin D. Even in cases of mild deficiency, it can take the body up to a year to restore a normal level of vitamin D, whether treatment involves supplementation and/or dietary changes.
Treatment
Treatment for vitamin D deficiency varies depending on age and the severity of deficiency. Vitamin D supplements come in different strengths and forms. Your doctor may recommend standard-dose tablets for you to take every day. This is a slower way of replacing vitamin D. For more serious deficiency, you may need to take high-dose tablets or liquids to improve vitamin D deficiency more quickly. Dosing instructions differ and may be daily, weekly or monthly. People who suffer vitamin D deficiency without complications usually take oral vitamin D supplements for between four and six months. Supplements are also given by injection when a person needs larger doses of vitamin D. Your doctor may prescribe calcium supplements along with vitamin D. Some individuals require sunlamp therapy in addition to supplementation.
Maintaining a Normal Vitamin D Level
Some people with vitamin D deficiency need to continue supplementation over the long term. Once your vitamin D level returns to normal, you may still be at risk for future deficiency. Individuals at higher risk of deficiency include children younger than age 5, adults older than age 65, people who do not get enough exposure to sunlight, those who have darker skin, pregnant and breast-feeding women and babies who are breast fed. Bottle-fed babies drink formula that is fortified with vitamin D.
Success of Treatment
Although the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency usually respond well to treatment, it can take several months for symptoms to improve. Vitamin D deficiency can cause bones to soften and weaken. Soft bones fracture more easily. CNN Health reports that in cases of severe deficiency that leads to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, you must take vitamin D supplements anywhere from several weeks to several months. Sometimes bone deformities are permanent, but most people recover fully following treatment. Treatment may involve treating an underlying medical condition causing the deficiency.
Sources of Vitamin D
Exposure to sunlight triggers the production of vitamin D3 in the skin. Although few foods provide vitamin D naturally, cod liver oil, whole eggs, shrimp, sardines and other fatty fish are foods rich in vitamin D. Foods fortified with vitamin D include milk, margarine and some brands of breakfast cereals, orange juice and yogurt. Plants provide small amounts of vitamin D. Fruits have none of this fat-soluble vitamin. You should only take vitamin D supplements as prescribed by your physician.
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