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.