The primary way humans get vitamin D into their bodies is by absorbing it through the skin during exposure to the sun. Vitamin D is also found in certain foods and is fat soluble. It's essential to calcium and phosphorus metabolism, and necessary for bone strength. A vitamin D deficiency causes problems with softening of the bones and is implicated in thyroid disease, hypertension, osteoporosis and many other chronic diseases. Make sure you get enough of this important vitamin either through sunlight, foods or supplementation by learning to recognize some signs of low vitamin D.
Thyroid Disease
A vitamin D deficiency can contribute to the development of thyroid disease, according to Theodore C. Friedman, M.D., Ph.D., in his article, "Vitamin D Deficiency and Thyroid Disease." Low vitamin D and hypothyroidism are often found in the same patients. He says people suffering from Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves disease have different receptors for vitamin D, making them more susceptible to developing these autoimmune diseases.
Bone and Joint Disorders
Friedman says osteoporosis is a direct result of low vitamin D and calcium levels in the blood. If vitamin D isn't absorbed properly from the small intestines, bone development may be compromised and result in rickets and softening of the bones in some adults, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). It also can contribute to damage of the cartilage of the joints, increasing the risk of arthritis.
Hypertension
The UMMC describes the connection between sub-normal blood levels of vitamin D and hypertension in people diagnosed with chronic kidney problems and parathyroid disease.
Muscle Pain and Weakness
Some people taking statin drugs to lower cholesterol report experiencing pain in the muscles accompanied with weakness. When vitamin D levels are increased, these problems disappear, according to the People's Pharmacy website. The site implies that low vitamin D levels may be the cause of the problem in those who are susceptible.
Hyperparathyroidism
Low levels of parathyroid hormone are attributed to vitamin D deficiency, according to Medicine Plus.com. The parathyroid hormone assists the body in storing calcium and phosphorus, both needed for strong bones, healthy kidney function and normal blood pressure measurements.
Diabetes
The UMCC points out that low levels of vitamin D have been found to contribute to an increased incidence in Type 1 diabetes, citing clinical evidence from research performed in Finland over a 30-year period and begun in the 1960s. Additional studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Medline Plus notes that cases of MS seem to be lower in areas of greater sunlight, suggesting that low vitamin D may either be the cause or a contributing factor in the disease. Further studies are necessary to confirm this information.
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