From the Guidelines
Symptoms of low vitamin D include fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, and mood changes such as depression, as reported in various studies, including the 2015 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement 1. These symptoms can be nonspecific and may not always be present, making it challenging to diagnose vitamin D deficiency without a blood test.
- Fatigue and muscle weakness are common complaints
- Bone pain and muscle aches or cramps can also occur
- Mood changes, such as depression, have been linked to low vitamin D levels
- Impaired wound healing, hair loss, and increased susceptibility to infections may also be associated with vitamin D deficiency In severe cases, vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteomalacia (softening of the bones) in adults or rickets in children, characterized by bone deformities, as noted in the study 1. The study highlights the importance of establishing a threshold total serum 25-(OH)D level to define vitamin D deficiency and standardizing assays to accurately diagnose and treat the condition. However, 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. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize vitamin D testing and treatment based on individual risk factors and clinical presentation, rather than relying solely on screening. Regular sun exposure and consuming vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified products can help maintain adequate levels, but supplementation with 1,000-4,000 IU daily may be necessary to treat deficiency, as determined by a healthcare provider.
From the Research
Symptoms of Low Vitamin D
The symptoms of vitamin D deficiency are unspecific and very common, making it easy for physicians to suspect vitamin D deficiency 2. Some of the symptoms and manifestations of vitamin D deficiency include:
- Bone pain
- Muscle weakness
- Falls
- Low bone mass
- Fractures 3
- 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 3
- Osteomalacia, which can occur in patients with prolonged vitamin D deficiency, a low serum calcium level, or a low serum phosphorus level 3
Risk Factors for Vitamin D Deficiency
Certain individuals are at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency, including:
- Those with inadequate sun exposure
- Those with limited oral intake of vitamin D
- Those with impaired intestinal absorption of vitamin D 2
- Patients with cystic fibrosis, who are at increased risk for deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin D 3
- Patients taking anticonvulsants and other medications that can affect vitamin D metabolism 3
- Elderly people, particularly those living in institutions or with a low calcium intake, an absence of solar exposure, and a previous history of falls 4