A deficiency of vitamin D, a fat soluble vitamin, increases the chances of contracting different kinds of diseases. Vitamin D also known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’ is produced by the body when the skin is exposed to the sun. Extremely essential for the development and maintenance of strong bones, vitamin D produces hormones which regulate the calcium levels of the body.

The bodily requirement of vitamin D is met in a small part through the food that we eat and mostly through sun exposure which triggers off a complex set of reactions in the body. For the normal functioning of the body 200IU of vitamin D is needed per day right from birth till age 50. The vitamin D requirement increases significantly after a person crosses 50.

There are several reasons as to why a person may develop vitamin D deficiency. The main cause of vitamin D deficiency is inadequate exposure to the sun. People, who work night shifts, stay indoors for long periods of time, cover up their bodies completely while venturing outdoors are more likely to get vitamin D deficiency. Individuals who have highly pigmented skins, especially those of Asian and African origin, may also develop vitamin D deficiency.

People who use too much sunscreen, those who suffer from liver and kidney diseases along with Crohn’s and Coeliac disease are likely candidates to develop vitamin D deficiency. a diet that is deficient in foods containing vitamin D may also cause this vitamin deficiency. Obesity can also lead to vitamin D deficiency.

One of the classic symptoms of vitamin D deficiency includes curvature of the bones especially in the legs of young children known as rickets. Frequent muscular spasms, seizures, delay in tooth eruption are some of the other symptoms of vitamin D deficiency exhibited by young children.

Among adults vitamin D deficiency can lead to frequent bouts of illness, difficulty in breathing, pain in the muscles and bones, increased susceptibility to fractures, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, type 1 diabetes, tuberculosis, low blood calcium levels and even osteoporosis.

The best way to diagnose whether a person is suffering from vitamin D deficiency is through a simple blood test. Once a person has been diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency, proper intake of supplements, incorporating vitamin D rich foods into the diet and adequate exposure to the sun can reverse this deficiency.

Spending significant time indoors could lead to a condition with some very negative side effects. Vitamin D has long been called the sunshine vitamin because it is largely produced in the body after absorption of the sun’s rays. without exposure to the sun, then it’s very easy for a person to develop vitamin D deficiency, a condition affecting roughly 40 percent of the American public.

Many people understand vitamin D’s role in promoting bone health, helping the body use the calcium consumed for strong bones. Vitamin D has often been linked to rickets, a condition in which bone tissue does not properly mineralize, resulting in weak, soft bones.

But the importance of vitamin D goes beyond bones. Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with various maladies, including cardiovascular disease, an inability to fight certain cancers, cognitive impairment, and increased risk of depression. some research also indicates that vitamin D can help prevent or treat a number of conditions, including diabetes. Low levels of vitamin D may also attribute to schizophrenia and compound skin disorders like psoriasis.

Vitamin D is fat-soluble and is delivered to the body through fat cells. Individuals who are obese or have a high body fat index are more susceptible to vitamin D deficiency.

Although vitamin D is essential, many people take it for granted. It is virtually impossible to get all of the needed vitamin D through diet alone. Sunlight is the single most effective way to receive the vitamin D the body requires. Furthermore, this way of receiving vitamin D is entirely free.

The trouble with sunlight exposure is that many people spend more time indoors than outside. Furthermore, when outdoors, many are heeding the warnings of dermatologists and other health experts and lathering on sunblock products. while they protect the skin from harmful UV rays, SPF creams and lotions also inhibit the body’s ability to absorb vitamin D from the sun.

Diagnosing vitamin D deficiency isn’t always easy. many times doctors mistake it for fibromyalgia, simply because muscle aches, pains and weakness are symptoms of each condition. Doctors can determine vitamin D deficiency through routine blood tests.

Sensible exposure to sunlight, around 15 minutes a day, 2 to 3 times a week could be enough to restore proper vitamin D levels. Otherwise, supplementation is an easy way to also increase vitamin D, primarily for those who are concerned about UV rays.

Individuals who are undergoing a routine physical that includes bloodwork may want to ask their doctors to screen for vitamin D levels, as well as other essential vitamins. A doctor can determine whether a person is lacking in vitamin D and prescribe a regimen that may include dietary changes, supplementation, or increased exposure to sunlight.

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