Vitamin D Deficiency... What are its Causes and Symptoms?

SadaNews - "Vitamin D" is often referred to as the "sun vitamin" because it is produced in the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight.

Since "Vitamin D" helps maintain bone strength, its deficiency can lead to osteoporosis and the accompanying pain and fractures, according to the "Verywell Health" website.

So, what are the symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency?

No Symptoms May Appear

Most people who suffer from Vitamin D deficiency do not show any symptoms, and symptoms only appear in cases of severe and persistent deficiency of the vitamin.

Bone and Muscle Symptoms

The primary role of "Vitamin D" is the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestines to build and maintain bone mass.

In the case of Vitamin D deficiency, this process does not occur properly. In cases of severe deficiency, bones may become soft, a condition referred to as "osteomalacia" in adults, while it is called "rickets" in children.

In addition to bone softening or rickets, a person suffering from severe Vitamin D deficiency may experience bone pain, weakness, and muscle aches.

Bone softening also increases the likelihood of bone fractures, falls, and walking problems.

Fatigue and Depression

Along with bone and muscle symptoms, Vitamin D deficiency is also linked to chronic fatigue and depression because its deficiency affects the production of serotonin, which regulates mood and mental health.

What are the causes of Vitamin D deficiency?

Since the body needs exposure to sunlight to produce Vitamin D, those most at risk of Vitamin D deficiency include those who spend long periods indoors away from the sun (such as the elderly and housebound individuals, for example), as well as people with dark skin; because their skin produces less Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.

Other groups at risk of Vitamin D deficiency include individuals who do not consume adequate amounts of vitamin-rich foods, such as fatty fish like canned tuna and fortified cow's milk.

Those who suffer from diseases that affect the absorption of the vitamin in the intestines (such as celiac disease and Crohn's disease) may also develop Vitamin D deficiency, as well as those with kidney or liver diseases, and those who are obese or taking medications that increase the breakdown of Vitamin D, such as epilepsy medications.