The Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency

The causes of vitamin D deficiency are many and can prevent people from receiving the required daily amounts. Vitamin D is known for helping the body to maintain healthy and strong bones. Without an adequate supply of vitamin D, diseases such as osteoporosis are much more likely to occur. Not only does vitamin D help to maintain strong and healthy bones, but it also helps to regulate the absorption of other important and essential vitamins. Unfortunately, not everyone receives enough of this particular vitamin, and there is more than one cause - some of which you may have not even knew existed.

The most common causes of vitamin D deficiency revolve around lack of sunlight and not eating enough vitamin D foods. When it is lack of sunlight and nutrition causing the deficiency, it's not very difficult to start receiving adequate amounts. All you have to do is start eating more foods high in vitamin D and begin making it a point to receive at least 15-30 minutes of sun a few times per week.

Deficiencies of this vital nutrient are much more common in states where there is less sunlight and also amongst individuals who choose not to spend much time outdoors. An effective way to improve your overall health and to start getting more vitamin D is to start taking daily walks out when the sun is shining between the hours of 11am and 2pm.

Specific Signs of Deficiency

Spotting a vitamin D deficiency is relatively easy, but can sometimes be mistaken for something else. Some of the more common vitamin D deficiency symptoms include heavy sweating, irritability, and restlessness. Medications taken for these types of issues will usually not work. If you suspect that you may be suffering from a deficiency, it's best to discuss your concerns with your family physician. Other signs and symptoms of inadequate supply include enlargement of wrists and ankles, pigeon breast, delayed closing of the fontanels, a bulging forehead, softening of the skull, bowlegs, knock-knees, and rachitic rosary. Extreme pain and difficulty walking is often the result of the many symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.

Another one of the causes of vitamin D deficiency can be blamed on age. As people grow older, their kidneys lose the ability to process vitamin D and convert it into its proper and active form. The thinning of the skin can prevent a person's ability to absorb adequate amounts of sunlight. The only answer to these problems is to take in more supplements and foods rich in vitamin D.

Yet Other Causes of Deficiency...

More causes of vitamin D deficiency can be traced back to certain illnesses and health ailments such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, fistulas, colitis, small bowel resections, chronic pancreatitis, biliary obstruction, osteomalacia, renal disease, a malfunctioning parathyroid gland, and vitamin D-resistant rickets.

If it is a disease or health ailment causing the deficiency, there are medical procedures that can be performed to help increase the amount of vitamin D being absorbed. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid having to suffer from the various vitamin D deficiency symptoms that accompany the causes of vitamin D deficiency. The quickest and easiest way to start receiving more vitamin D is to consume more whole milk, fish liver oils, herring, egg yolks, cheese, beef liver, and dairy products in general. The current recommended daily amount of vitamin D is 400-800 IU. Too much of this vitamin can cause weakness, nausea, and confusion. Other than consuming foods high in vitamin D, there are also various types of supplements available online and at your local pharmacy.

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