From the Guidelines
Vitamin D deficiency can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, and mood changes, with severe deficiency leading to bone disorders like rickets or osteomalacia. The symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can vary widely, and some people may not experience any symptoms at all, making it essential to rely on blood tests for diagnosis 1. Some common symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include:
- Fatigue
- Bone pain
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle aches or cramps
- Mood changes like depression
- Hair loss
- Impaired wound healing
- Increased susceptibility to infections Severe and prolonged vitamin D deficiency can cause bone mineralization diseases, such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, leading to bone pain and deformities 1. It is crucial to note that the exact threshold that defines vitamin D deficiency is not well-established, and the association between vitamin D status and health outcomes is unclear, with studies suggesting varying relationships between vitamin D levels and health outcomes like fractures, falls, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and mortality 1. Vitamin D plays a vital role in calcium absorption and bone health, as well as immune function, cell growth, and inflammation reduction, making it essential to maintain adequate levels, especially through dietary sources like fatty fish, cod liver oil, dairy products, and supplements, as well as endogenous synthesis triggered by UVB exposure 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency
The symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can vary from mild to severe and may include:
- Bone diseases such as rickets in children, osteomalacia, and osteoporosis in adults 2, 3, 4
- Increased risk of falls, fractures, muscle pain, and muscle weakness 2, 3, 4, 5
- Cardiovascular risk, diabetes mellitus, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), infections, and autoimmune disorders 2, 3
- Depression and impaired cognitive function 3
- Tiredness and general aches and pains 3
- Symmetric low back pain, proximal muscle weakness, muscle aches, and throbbing bone pain 5
- Increased risk of type I diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, cardiovascular heart disease, and many common deadly cancers 4
Risk Factors for Vitamin D Deficiency
Certain individuals are at a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency, including:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women 3
- Infants and young children aged 6 months to 5 years 3
- People aged 65 and over 3
- People with darker skin 3
- People with certain gut, liver, or kidney diseases 3
- Individuals with low sunlight exposure, age-related decrease in cutaneous synthesis, and low dietary intake of vitamin D 2