Vitamin D deficiency – Are you at risk?

We estimate that vitamin D deficiency is the most common medical condition in the world.

You need not panic if you have vitamin D deficiency, as this is a common problem most people face. It is like any other mineral or vitamin your body could lack. However, you must become aware of the causes and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency to take up appropriate treatment methods to manage it.

It is estimated that about 1 billion people worldwide have vitamin D deficiency. Studies in India have revealed as high as 80% to 90% of people with this condition. This blog will dive into the reasons behind this condition and treatment methods that you can follow. Now let's ask the crucial question.

How does vitamin D deficiency occur?

Vitamin D deficiency occurs when you don't have enough sun exposure. The other reason is that you are not taking foods rich in vitamin D. This condition can occur when your body is not absorbing vitamin D properly.

Apart from these reasons, several other factors like chronic conditions, age and skin colour could cause vitamin D deficiency. We will look at these causes in detail later in the blog.

How is vitamin D important?

Vitamin D is essential for maintaining strong bones and muscles. Vitamin D is also needed to properly function the nervous and immune systems. In addition, vitamin D helps to prevent cancer and protect the body from various chronic conditions. These include bone loss, depression, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

Can hair mineral analysis detect vitamin D deficiency?

Yes, hair mineral analysis can detect vitamin D deficiency.

Impaired action of vitamin D is caused by low Mg/K ratio levels in the body. Hair mineral analysis can detect these mineral imbalances and provide supplements to balance them. 

Now let us look closer at the causes of vitamin D deficiency.

Causes of vitamin D deficiency:

It is hard to point at one cause as there are many vitamin deficiencies causes. Let us discuss some risk factors that can cause vitamin D deficiency.

Medical conditions that lead to low vitamin D levels.

• Cystic fibrosis, Crohn's disease, and celiac disease: This can prevent the intestine from absorbing vitamin D through supplements. This is especially true if the condition is left untreated. 

• Obesity: A body mass index over 30 is connected to low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D accumulates in the fat cells, and the body has less circulation. The fat cells hold on to vitamin D, so it is not released. This causes vitamin D deficiency. 

• Kidney disease and liver disease: Certain enzymes in the body are needed to convert vitamin D to an active form that the body can use. A lack of these enzymes leads to low vitamin D levels in the body. 

Weight loss surgeries and vitamin D deficiency: 

Weight loss surgery, such as gastric bypass surgery, reduces the size of your stomach and bypasses part of your small intestine. This makes it difficult for your body to absorb certain nutrients, vitamins and minerals. This causes a risk for vitamin D deficiency. 

If you had a weight loss surgery, you must consult a doctor and get your vitamin D levels checked regularly. You may have to take vitamin D and other supplements for life. 

Medications that cause vitamin D deficiency: 

Certain medications cause low levels of vitamin D. Some of them are:

• Laxatives 
• Steroids
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs 
• Rifampin (A tuberculosis drug)
• Orlistat (A weight loss drug)  

Vitamin D deficiency symptoms:

There may be many symptoms and signs of vitamin D deficiency. Some of them are discussed below:

• Frequent illness or infections: 

Vitamin D fights bacteria and viruses and protects the body from infections. When you have a cold or flu, it usually is due to low vitamin D levels in your body. Several studies have demonstrated that respiratory infections, such as colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia, can occur when vitamin D levels are low. Taking up to 4000 IU of vitamin D can help to reduce vitamin D deficiency symptoms. 

• Bone and back pain:  

Bone and lower back pain are vitamin D deficiency symptoms. Studies confirmed that people with low vitamin D levels had severe lower back pain. Therefore, it is essential to maintain healthy vitamin D levels to protect the body from these conditions. 

• Impaired wound healing:

Studies show that healing after surgery or injury is slow in people with low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is also responsible for regenerating new skin for wound healing. Unfortunately, low vitamin D levels in people also cause high inflammatory conditions. 

Vitamin D deficiency treatment:

Vitamin D deficiency is usually treated with supplements and dietary changes. However, if your healthcare provider finds out you have a deficiency, they recommend the following. 

Treatment through supplements:

Oral supplements are the best treatment for vitamin D deficiency. Apart from this, magnesium helps activate vitamin D in the body, so take this supplement too.

A doctor may recommend prescription vitamin D, which comes in more substantial doses of up to 50,000 IU for severe deficiencies. Your doctor may also recommend vitamin D injections. 

Treatment through the proper diet: 

A proper diet and eating foods rich in vitamin D will help achieve the average vitamin D level needed. Foods rich in vitamin D are:

• Fatty fish
• Egg yolks
• Fortified foods like cereals 
• Fortified milk and juices 
• Yoghurt 
• Beef liver 

Since sunlight is an excellent source of vitamin D, your doctor might advise you to go outdoors and get exposure to sunlight. But excess ultra-violet exposure can cause adverse effects, so it is vital to note the time you spend in the sun and apply sunscreen when you go out.

 
Conclusion:

Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem people have. It needs to be addressed through proper diagnosis and treatment plans like taking supplements. In addition, following a diet rich in vitamin D and spending adequate time in the sun are crucial tips for maintaining healthy vitamin D levels.