Vitamin D Deficiency

Overview

Vitamin D deficiency happens when there is a lack of vitamin D in the body. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin which is essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus to form strong bones.

Signs and Symptoms

Generalized weakness, Fatigue, Bone pain, Back pain, Frequent fractures of the bone due to brittle bones, Muscle weakness, Delayed growth in children

Common Causes

Lack of vitamin D in diet, Limited exposure to sunlight, Intestinal disease such as Crohn's disease leading to malabsorption, Chronic kidney disease, Hyperparathyroidism, Medications that interferes with the absorption

Risk Factors

Old age, Dark skin, Lack of sunlight exposure, Breastfed infants for long period without other milk supplements, Intestinal disorders, Obesity, Gastric bypass surgery, Chronic kidney or liver diseas, Chronic inflammatory disease such as sarcoidosis or tuberculosis, Certain medications

Investigation Techniques

Serum Vitamin D, Full blood count , Calcium and phosphate levels , X-ray of bones, Bone biopsy , Bone density test

Treatment and Prevention

Vitamin D supplements, Get enough sunlight, Take diet rich in vitamin D, Treatment of the underlying conditions