Friday, January 27, 2012

What are the Various Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency?

Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that boosts body's immune system, regulates blood pressure, and maintains calcium balance. It is mostly absorbed through the skin from sunlight. However, many foods such as egg yolks, cream, and butter also contain this vitamin. It is even taken as supplements. Inadequate levels of vitamin D in the body is termed as vitamin D deficiency. This results in many health issues. Here are some of the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.

Depression, heart disease, weight loss, diabetes, and muscle weakness are some of the common symptoms of vitamin D deficiency. It even causes susceptibility to autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Calcium absorption, an important function of vitamin D, is affected with its low levels. It obviously shows effect on the strength of bones and teeth. Abnormal bone formation and softening are mostly evident with vitamin D deficiency. Rickets, a bone deformity disease, is seen in infants with less amounts of vitamin D. It is characterized by skeletal deformities such as knocked knees or bowing of the legs and projections on the ribs. It may even develop an increase in the bone formation on the forehead.

Mal-absorption of calcium in adults develops dental problems and gum diseases. Sudden development of asthma or worsened asthma symptoms are the other effects of vitamin D deficiency. Osteomalacia is another vitamin D deficiency concern that involves deficiencies of calcium and phosphorus.

These deficiencies should be treated immediately. Vitamin D supplements work well for people suffering from these health disorders. Prevention of its deficiency is only possible with intake of diet rich in vitamin D. 

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Vitamins

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