Causes Of Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D is necessary for maintaining calcium and phosphorous at proper levels in the blood. It is essential for calcium absorption, and therefore is related to the formation and health of bones. Deficiencies can result in diseases, such as rickets, osteomalacia and other structural issues. Knowing the cause of the deficiency may be the answer to correcting it and preventing these kinds of problems.

Insufficient Consumption

When our diets lack foods that contain Vitamin D, our bodies can become deficient rather quickly. This can be a special concern for vegetarians and vegans because most food sources of Vitamin D are animal-based. Cheese, egg yolks, beef liver, fish and fish oils are all natural food sources of Vitamin D.

Limited Sunlight Exposure

The most prominent source of Vitamin D for the body is through exposure to sunlight. When the skin gets proper exposure to sunshine the body can create Vitamin D in an active form through the liver and kidneys. Those who do not get sun exposure often are at a greater risk for Vitamin D deficiencies. As little as 10 to 15 minutes per day in the sun is enough to create significant health benefits.

Improper Conversion

When Vitamin D is taken into the body in the form of food or sunlight, it must first be converted in the liver and then the kidneys to be used. As we age, the kidneys are not as competent in their ability to convert Vitamin D to an active form. Kidney or liver disease may also inhibit the conversion process leaving the body with a deficiency. A hereditary metabolic defect can result in impairment or prevention of proper conversion. Consuming too many trans fatty acids may interfere with liver conversion of the vitamin since there is evidence they can affect the enzymes needed for the conversion process.

Poor Absorption

Various digestive disorders can inhibit proper absorption of Vitamin D from the foods we consume. These can include celiac disease, Crohn's disease, colitis and cystic fibrosis. With cystic fibrosis, the body cannot absorb fat well. Since Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, fat must be present in order for the body to properly assimilate the nutrient. This can be a problem regardless of whether or not a person is consuming foods rich in Vitamin D. Diseases, such as Crohn's and colitis, cause inflammation of the bowel that often results in diarrhea. With frequent emptying of the bowel combined with inflammation, nutrients are often difficult to absorb, causing a vitamin deficiency.

Excessive Weight Gain

When weight gain leads to obesity, the release of Vitamin D is altered since the vitamin is extracted from blood by fat cells. Low levels of Vitamin D are often detected in those with a body mass index of 30 or more. Obese people often cannot absorb the food sources properly and the conversion of sunlight provided Vitamin D is often impaired.