Monday, March 28, 2011

What Are The Risks For Calcium And Vitamin D Deficiency

Bone deformities can result from deficiencies in vitamin D.


Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin that is essential for the formation of bones and teeth. Calcium is a mineral stored in your bones; your body stores its own calcium until about age 35, after which time its only source of calcium is through diet and supplements.


Vitamin D Risks








People with vitamin D deficiency risks are the elderly, those who do not get enough sunlight, the obese, those with a family history of deficiency and those who are hospitalized or homebound.


Calcium Risks


People who are at risk for calcium deficiency are the elderly, women with repeated pregnancies, those who have had adolescent pregnancies and women who breastfeed.


Osteoporosis


Osteoporosis is a vitamin D and calcium deficiency in adults. Bones become fragile and brittle. Fractures can occur anywhere, but in osteoporosis fractures occur mainly in the hip, spine and wrists, resulting in tremendous pain.


Osteomalacia


Osteomalacia is softening of the bones due to a lack of vitamin D. Osteomalacia is the adult form of rickets in children.


Rickets


Rickets is a vitamin D deficiency in children causing bones to break and fracture easily. Rickets can result in skeletal deformities because of rapid growth, and vitamin D plays an important part in the growing stages.

Tags: calcium deficiency, Risks People, vitamin deficiency