Vitamin D Deficiency

We are all told to consider taking a daily vitamin supplement. Hundreds of vitamin supplement advertisements are broadcast on television urging us to increase our intake of vitamins. Our local drugstores and retail venues devote entire isles to vitamin sales and displays.

Which vitamins should we take? Many individuals take a daily multivitamin. But, women, young children, and older adults should increase their daily vitamin D intake.

Naturally, our bodies make vitamin D through our exposure to sunlight. Many foods, like milk, eggs, fish, and fortified juices and grains, are sources of vitamin D. As we lack adequate sun exposure by working in offices and embracing vegan diets, we may lack vitamin D. Obesity, inflammatory bowel, and kidney disease also contribute to vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D deficiency affects people across the lifespan. Breastfed babies don't get enough vitamin D from breast milk. Pediatricians recommend babies take vitamin D supplements. As people age, it's harder for their skin to produce adequate amounts of vitamin D, which may lead to deficiency. Uniquely, the pigment melanin found in dark skin blocks the ability to make vitamin D from sunlight exposure. Some studies show that older adults with darker skin are at high risk of developing vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D is essential for strong bones because it helps the body use calcium from the diet. Low blood levels of vitamin D increase the risk of experiencing bone pain, bone fractures, muscle pain, and muscle weakness. In older adults, severe vitamin D deficiency may also increase the risk of falls and develop mineral changes in the bone, causing osteomalacia. Research suggests that vitamin D could play a role in preventing and treating different conditions, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, glucose intolerance, and multiple sclerosis. Low blood levels of the vitamin have been associated with an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment in older adults, fibromyalgia, severe asthma in children, and certain cancers.

Vitamin D deficiency symptoms include bone and muscle pain, weakness, increased sensitivity to pain, tingling and numbness of the feet and hands, and fatigue.

Because the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency are vague and often go unnoticed, identifying vitamin D deficiency can be difficult. A simple blood test to check vitamin D levels can be used to diagnose the disorder. Consider discussing having your vitamin D level checked by your healthcare provider.

Vitamin D deficiency is highly treatable. If you are diagnosed with the condition and follow treatment recommendations, you will likely be able to increase your intake to an acceptable level, which should eliminate any symptoms or long-term problems. Daily supplements of vitamin D can correct deficits. Nutritionists recommend increasing your intake of foods enriched with vitamin D. Consider briefly sitting in the sun or near a window daily. A daily walk will increase your sun exposure and improve circulation.

Talk to your healthcare provider about vitamin D deficiency.

Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels Assistant Professor at Coppin State University DWatties-Daniels@coppin.edu

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