Vitamin B12 Deficiency Causes & Reasons

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is also known as the “sunshine vitamin” as our body is capable of producing vitamin D in the presence of sunlight.

One of the most important functions of vitamin D in the body is that, it is required to absorb calcium. Calcium is required by the body for strengthening of bones and teeth and several other crucial functions.

So what do we need to know about vitamin D deficiency symptoms?

Vitamin D deficiency occurs when there is reduced intake of vitamin D or when it is not absorbed properly. Vitamin D deficiency symptoms are observed in people who do not receive sufficient exposure to sunlight. Reduced exposure to sun leads to dwindling of vitamin D synthesis by the skin, followed by other vitamin D deficiency symptoms.

Depending on the stage of life, vitamin D deficiency can lead to

• Rickets
• Osteomalacia

Common vitamin D deficiency symptoms:

• Rickets is the result of vitamin D deficiency in children. In this condition bones are not properly formed because mineral deposition is affected. Rickets make the bones soft and weak which may lead to bone deformities.

Signs and symptoms of rickets:

• Bones of the child affected with rickets may be sore and painful. Bones may become fragile and there is increased risk of fractures.
• The child may find it difficult to walk and may get tired easily. The child may also develop waddling type of walk one of the many vitamin D deficiency symptoms.
• Skeletal deformities such as bowed legs are observed.
• Weak tooth enamel, delay in teeth coming out and higher risk of teeth cavity formation
• Growth and development may be affected as the bones are affected, one of the major vitamin D deficiency symptoms.
• It is a well-known fact that vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium from diet. When there is vitamin D deficiency the calcium levels in the body also get affected. In some children with rickets hypocalcaemia which is low levels of calcium in blood as vitamin D deficiency symptoms may be seen.

Vitamin D deficiency symptoms arise when calcium levels in the body drop. Progressive symptoms of rickets include muscle cramps and twitching, tingling sensation in hands and feet, fits.

• Osteomalacia is the adult form of rickets . Adults also face vitamin D deficiency symptoms similar to that of children affected with rickets .
• Signs and symptoms of Osteomalacia
• Painful bones and fragile bones that are prone to fractures.
• Weakness of muscles and increased risk of falls.
• Cardiovascular risk and diabetes mellitus
• Polycystic ovary syndrome and other infections
• Autoimmune disorders

A closer look at vitamin D deficiency symptoms definitely highlights the importance of vitamin D for everyone. It may be through sunlight exposure, through diet or through supplementation.