Combatting Vitamin D Deficiency

Lack of vitamin D, crucial for bone health and immune system function.
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Bone Health | Immune System | Nutrition | Vitamin Supplements | Vitamin D Sources | Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms | Vitamin D Health Benefits | Increasing Vitamin D
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Vitamin D Deficiency FAQ


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What does vitamin D deficiency mean?

Vitamin D deficiency means you don’t have enough vitamin D in your body. It primarily causes issues with your bones and muscles. Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that your body uses for normal bone development and maintenance. Vitamin D also plays a role in your nervous system, musculoskeletal system and immune system.

What medical conditions can cause vitamin D deficiency?

Medical conditions that can cause vitamin D deficiency include: Cystic fibrosis, Crohn's disease and celiac disease: These conditions can prevent your intestines from adequately absorbing enough vitamin D through supplements, especially if the condition is untreated.

How common is vitamin D deficiency?

Vitamin D deficiency is a common global issue. About 1 billion people worldwide have vitamin D deficiency, while 50% of the population has vitamin D insufficiency. Approximately 35% of adults in the United States have vitamin D deficiency. Anyone can have vitamin D deficiency, including infants, children and adults.

What is vitamin D deficiency?

Vitamin D deficiency is a common worldwide problem. Vitamin D helps our body absorb calcium and phosphorus from the gut (bowel) and this is essential for healthy bones and to allow our muscles to function properly. Therefore, vitamin D deficiency mainly causes problems with bones and muscles.

What are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency?

Musculoskeletal symptoms that may be attributable to vitamin D deficiency. Suspected bone disease such as osteomalacia or osteoporosis that may be improved with vitamin D treatment. Known bone disease such as osteoporosis or Paget's disease, where correction of vitamin D deficiency is needed prior to specific treatment.

How does vitamin D deficiency affect the body?

Therefore, vitamin D deficiency mainly causes problems with bones and muscles. Vitamin D is made in the skin but this needs adequate exposure to sunlight. It can also be obtained from foods (particularly fortified foods) and vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D has to be converted to an active form, which occurs in the liver and kidneys.

Vitamin D Deficiency References

If you want to know more about Vitamin D Deficiency, consider exploring links below:

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