What are the symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble substance and is responsible for increasing intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate, and multiple other biological effects. In human beings, the most vital compounds for normal functioning of the body are vitamin D3 (otherwise called cholecalciferol) and vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol).

Cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol can be taken in through diet or from any supplements. Only a few food items contain vitamin D. The major source of vitamin D is from the sun. On exposure of skin to sunlight, cholecalciferol present in our skin undergoes few changes and transforms into vitamin D.

The active form of vitamin D is calcitriol. The desired range of calcitriol is between 25 and 60 pg/ml. Any alterations in the level may lead to various disorders. These levels are for serum (blood) 25(OH)D.

Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency has turned into a serious issue in the elderly and stays normal in youngsters and babies. Low blood calcifediol (25-hydroxyvitamin D) can occur because of staying away from the sun or due to the inactive lifestyle.

Insufficiency of this causes bone demineralization and bone damage which prompts bone-softening diseases, including rickets and osteomalacia.

Rickets

• It is commonly seen in childhood stages. The characteristic features of rickets are less developed and delicate, feeble, disfigured long bones that twist and bow under their weight as the kids grow. This condition is described by bow legs, which can be caused by calcium or phosphorus inadequacy, and also an absence of vitamin D.

• Vitamin D insufficiency may cause bone sickness right before birth and degradation of bone quality after birth.

• Having darker skin and low exposure to sun rays do not yield rickets unless the eating regimen changed from high intake of meat, fish, and eggs to low admissions of cereals. The dietary factors for rickets include refusing non-vegetarian foods.

Osteomalacia

• Osteomalacia is a disorder in grown-ups that occurs due to vitamin D insufficiency. Features of this sickness are softening of the bones, resulting in twisting of the spine, bow legs, proximal muscle shortcoming, bone delicacy and more chances of fracture.

• Osteomalacia diminishes calcium assimilation and encourages calcium degradation from bone, which leads to bone cracks. Osteomalacia occurs when 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels drop below 10 mg/mL.

• In spite of the fact that the impacts of osteomalacia are thought to add to the endless musculoskeletal pain, there is no particular confirmation of lower vitamin D levels in constant pain sufferers or that supplementation lightens constant nonspecific musculoskeletal torment.

Skin Pigmentation

• Dark skinned people staying in low light conditions have been appeared to have low vitamin D levels however this thesis is not proved yet.

• They might be less productive at vitamin D synthesis since it is blocked by melanin present in the skin. UV-B radiation from the sun is the most important environmental risk factor for nonmelanoma skin cancer which also causes vitamin D deficiency due to its decreased synthesis.

Cardiovascular Disease

• Vitamin D deficiency is related to the frequent occurrence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, fringe vascular sickness, coronary supply route illness, myocardial localized necrosis, heart failure, and stroke. Since anti-inflammatory reactions cease due to vitamin D deficiency.