In this article we will be discussing a very common question: symptoms of vitamin d 3 deficiency. It’s quite a sensitive & complex subject, as such we will do our best at providing a clear and concise article to clear any doubts you may have.
Symptoms And Health Risks Of Vitamin D Deficiency
However, for many people, the symptoms are subtle. Yet, even without symptoms, too little vitamin D can pose health risks. Low blood levels of the vitamin have been associated with the following: Increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease
Cognitive impairment in older adults
Severe asthma in children
Cancer Research suggests that vitamin D could play a role in the prevention and treatment of a number of different conditions, including type1 and type 2 diabetes, hypertension, glucose intolerance, and multiple sclerosi.
What Exactly Is Vitamin D?
Commonly known as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is important for regulating the amount of calcium and phosphate we have in our bodies. These are the nutrients our body uses to keep our bones, teeth and muscles healthy. Typically, during the sunnier months, we get most of our vitamin D from spending time outdoors.
‘One of the ways our bodies manufacture vitamin D is through exposure to sunlight,’ says Dr McClymont. ‘But recently lockdowns, home working and shielding may all have led to us spending less time in the great outdoors than we’d like. And now we’re in winter, it’s even more important to think about vitamin D and the other sources we can get it from.’.
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A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children, and bone pain caused by a condition called osteomalacia in adults. Government advice is that everyone should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter.
Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms
Many people have no symptoms, or may complain of only vague ones such as tiredness or general aches.
Because symptoms of vitamin D deficiency are often very nonspecific or vague, the problem is often missed. These problems are related to consequent low levels of calcium. Symptoms in children
Children with severe deficiency may have soft skull or leg bones.
Their legs may look curved (bow-legged). Height is usually affected more than weight. Affected children might be reluctant to start walking.
Children with vitamin D deficiency are more prone to infections. Breathing can be affected because of weak chest muscles and a soft rib cage. When rickets is very severe, it can cause low levels of calcium in the blood.
This can lead to muscle cramps, fits and breathing difficulties. These need urgent hospital treatment. Rarely, an extremely low vitamin D level can cause weakness of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy).
Bones can feel painful to moderate pressure (often more noticeable in the ribs or shin bones). Bone pain often also occurs in the lower back, hips, pelvis, thighs and feet.