From the Guidelines
Low vitamin D levels have been associated with an increased risk of fractures, falls, functional limitations, and various diseases, including some types of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, and death, as reported in a 2015 study by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force 1. The symptoms of low vitamin D can be diverse and may include:
- Fatigue
- Bone pain
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle aches or cramps
- Mood changes like depression
- Frequent infections due to a weakened immune system
- Bone disorders like rickets in children or osteomalacia in adults, causing bone softening and skeletal deformities
- Hair loss
- Impaired wound healing It is essential to note that many people with vitamin D deficiency have no symptoms at all, making it difficult to detect without a blood test, as highlighted in the study by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force 1. The deficiency often develops due to limited sun exposure, dark skin pigmentation, certain medical conditions affecting absorption, or insufficient dietary intake. If you suspect low vitamin D, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider who can order a blood test and recommend appropriate supplementation if needed, as the current evidence is inadequate to determine whether screening for and treatment of asymptomatic low 25-(OH)D levels improve clinical outcomes in community-dwelling adults 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of Low Vitamin D
- Bone pain
- Muscle weakness
- Falls
- Low bone mass
- Fractures 2
- Osteomalacia, particularly in patients with prolonged vitamin D deficiency, low serum calcium level, or low serum phosphorus level 2
- Secondary hyperparathyroidism, which can develop in patients with chronic kidney disease as a result of low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels or impaired conversion to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 2
Risk Factors for Vitamin D Deficiency
- Prolonged vitamin D deficiency
- Low serum calcium level
- Low serum phosphorus level
- Cystic fibrosis
- Chronic kidney disease
- Taking anticonvulsants and other medications 2
- Limited sun exposure, as total-body sun exposure can provide the equivalent of 250 microg (10000 IU) vitamin D/d 3
Health Consequences of Vitamin D Deficiency
- Increased fracture risk 4
- Adverse health outcomes 4
- Osteoporosis 4, 3
- Secondary hyperparathyroidism 2, 3
- Some cancers, osteoarthritis progression, multiple sclerosis, and hypertension 3
Diagnosis and Treatment of Vitamin D Deficiency
- Recognizing the signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency helps physicians make a proper diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment 2
- Vitamin D supplementation can help prevent osteomalacia, osteoporosis, and secondary hyperparathyroidism 2, 3
- Higher dosages of vitamin D supplementation (2,000-3,000 IU/day) may be required to achieve a relevant increase of 25(OH)D and normalization of PTH 4