From the Guidelines
Vitamin D deficiency can cause a range of symptoms including fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, and mood changes like depression, as reported in a 2015 study by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force 1. These symptoms can vary in severity and may also include impaired wound healing, hair loss, and increased susceptibility to infections. Severe deficiency can lead to more serious conditions such as osteomalacia (bone softening) in adults or rickets in children, characterized by bone deformities and fractures. Some key points to consider about vitamin D deficiency include:
- Low vitamin D levels have been associated with an increased risk of fractures, falls, functional limitations, and other health problems, although the evidence is not always consistent 1.
- The definition of vitamin D deficiency and the cut point for defining low vitamin D levels can be uncertain, which may lead to misclassification and overdiagnosis or underdiagnosis of the condition 1.
- Treatment with vitamin D supplements can be effective in improving vitamin D levels, but the potential harms of treatment, such as toxicity and increased risk of kidney stones, should also be considered 1.
- Regular blood testing is important for individuals at risk of vitamin D deficiency, as some people may not exhibit any symptoms at all.
- Vitamin D is essential for maintaining bone health, supporting immune function, reducing inflammation, and regulating cell growth, and its deficiency can have significant consequences for overall health and quality of life.
From the Research
Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency
The symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can vary, but common manifestations include:
- Symmetric low back pain
- Proximal muscle weakness
- Muscle aches
- Throbbing bone pain elicited with pressure over the sternum or tibia 2
- Tiredness and general aches and pains in cases of mild deficiency 3
- Serious problems such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults in cases of severe deficiency 3
- Aching bone pain, often misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia or chronic pain syndrome 4
- Muscle weakness, increasing the risk of falls and fractures 4, 5
- Depression and impaired cognitive function 3
- Increased risk of falls, fractures, cardiovascular risk, diabetes mellitus, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), infections, and autoimmune disorders 6
Related Conditions
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to various conditions, including: