What Are The Causes Of Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D is present in the food we eat and the sunshine we bask in. Its main function is to maintain a balance between the calcium and phosphorus levels in our bodies; this is important for the building and maintenance of strong, healthy bone. It's difficult to believe that with the ease of replenishing this vitamin, some people suffer from a deficiency of it. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin D deficiencies are very common and connected to a host of diseases.

Sources of Vitamin D

The most common food source of vitamin D is milk. It doesn't come by it naturally; it is fortified with the vitamin. Fish are a natural source of vitamin D, most especially cod liver oil. The sun is also a source. As little as 15 minutes of sun on our skin can give us our daily allowance of the vitamin.

Lacking an underlying disease, the obese and the elderly are most prone to vitamin D deficiency.

Sometimes, even if someone is getting plenty of vitamin D from diet and sun exposure, he can still become deficient. There are a number of ways and reasons this can happen.

Symptoms of Deficiency

One of the classic disorders associated with vitamin D deficiency is rickets, a disease that causes weak bones and, in children, deformities. Adults with a vitamin D deficiency may have weak muscles as well as weak bones. Other symptoms include a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, insomnia, irregular heartbeat, nervousness, pale skin and sensitivity to pain.

Cystic Fibrosis

This genetic disease causes an excess of mucus in the body, blocking the pancreas from secreting digestive enzymes. This prevents the intestines from absorbing the nutrients that the body needs. Vitamin D deficiencies are common in people with cystic fibrosis.

Colitis and Crohn's Disease

Both inflammatory diseases, these disorders are a cause of vitamin D deficiency. Colitis and Crohn's disease sufferers experience frequent bouts of diarrhea. Diarrhea prevents the body from absorbing nutrients.

Lupus

Lupus is another cause of vitamin D deficiency. People with this disease cannot spend much time in the sun. Because of this, their bodies don't get enough vitamin D and they usually have to take supplements.

Treatment

The results of a blood test will determine whether or not someone is deficient in vitamin D and if there is an underlying disease connected to the deficiency. Scientists at the National Institutes of Health recommend three treatments for a vitamin D deficiency: sunlight, artificial ultraviolet B radiation or supplementation.

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