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Definition

Vitamin D deficiency describes low levels of vitamin D in the blood. This condition can lead to a condition known as rickets]]> in children. In adults it can lead to ]]>osteomalacia]]> . These are two forms of bone diseases that weaken bones. It is important to contact your doctor if you think you have vitamin D deficiency.

Weakened Bone

Weakened bone at hip
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Causes

Vitamin D deficiency can be caused by:

  • Inadequate intake of vitamin D in the diet
  • Limited exposure to sunlight
  • Kidney disease
  • The inability to absorb vitamin D from the digestive tract
  • Medications that interfere with vitamin D use by the body, such as:
    • Prednisone drugs
    • Weight-loss drug orlistat]]>
    • Cholesterol-lowering medications such as cholestyramine
    • Anti-seizure medications such as ]]>phenobarbital]]> and ]]>phenytoin]]>

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Risk Factors

The following factors may increase your chance of developing vitamin D deficiency:

  • Lactose intolerance
  • Strict vegetarianism
  • Infants fed only breast milk without vitamin D supplementation
  • Syndromes that cause fat malabsorption, like celiac sprue]]> or ]]>Crohn's disease]]> , ]]>cystic fibrosis]]> , pancreatic or liver disease
  • Kidney disease
  • ]]>Obesity]]>
  • Darkly pigmented skin
  • Limited sun exposure
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Symptoms

Symptoms include:

  • Diffuse bone and muscle pain
  • Muscle weakness
  • Hip pain
  • Fractures]]>
  • Difficulty walking, walking up stairs, and getting out of a chair
  • Falls
  • Some research also shows that vitamin D deficiency may also be related to ]]>depression]]>
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Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. Tests may include the following:

  • Blood tests to check vitamin D levels and kidney function
  • Bone tests

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Treatment options include:

Vitamin D Supplementation

High doses of vitamin D are given for 6-12 weeks. This is followed by a lower dose of the vitamin. The doses are continued until blood levels return to normal.

Calcium Supplementation

Calcium plus vitamin D supplements may be given to increase D levels. This can also improve bone strength in older women with low vitamin D.

Light Therapy

Exposure to sunlight or UV radiation can increase D levels. Vitamin D3 is produced in the skin when it is exposed to these light sources.

Prevention

To help reduce the chances of getting vitamin D deficiency, eat a healthy diet. Foods are not naturally high in vitamin D. Many foods are enriched with vitamin D, such as milk, some fruits and juices, some flours and cereal products.

Additionally, the following groups of people should talk with their doctor about whether they need a daily vitamin D supplement:

  • Infants who are exclusively breastfed
  • People aged 50 and older
  • People living in northern latitudes (eg, New England, Alaska)
  • Women who wear robes and head coverings
  • People working in occupations that prevent sun exposure
  • People with darker skin (eg, African Americans)
  • People who are obese
  • People with fat malabsorption (eg, pancreatic enzyme deficiency, Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis]]> , celiac disease, liver disease, surgical removal of part or all of the stomach or intestines)