Side effects of low vitamin D levels in blood can take several forms. Low vitamin D levels can lead to serious condition known as vitamin D deficiency. Some people are at risk of becoming deficient in vitamin D. Those who live in cold climates are at risk, because vitamin D is produced in the skin when it’s exposed to sunlight. If you do not spend time in the sun, your body will not be able to synthesize vitamin D. Vegetarians can also be at risk, because they do not consume animal-derived products. Vitamin D is found in foods like animal meat, eggs, fish, and dairy products. Vegetarians can consume fortified breakfast cereals, but these amounts are not considered satisfactory.

Vitamin D is necessary for growth and development. It is extremely important for proper bone mineralization. Vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets in children, and it can also cause bone deformities in adults.

Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms

In most cases, the symptoms occur very late. However, when the symptoms occur, they usually include:

● Fatigue
● Bone fractures
● Rickets in children
● Weakness

Vitamin D deficiency is also related to certain cancers, asthma, cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis, depression and cognitive impairment.

Vitamin D deficiency can occur if:

● You don’t spend time in the sun. If you live in a cold country, and you cannot get enough sunlight, you may become deficient in vitamin D. According to doctors, your body needs to be exposed to sunrays for at least twenty minutes, 3 or 4 times a week, without wearing any sunscreen.

● Your skin is dark. Melanin acts as a sun block, reducing the ability of your skin to produce sufficient amounts of vitamin D. If your skin is darker, you will have to spend more time in the sun.

● Your kidneys are not able to convert this vitamin to the active form. Older people may have this problem, because as we age, our kidneys get less capable of carrying out the conversion of vitamin D.

● You suffer from Crohn’s disease, celiac disease or cystic fibrosis. These conditions can prevent your intestines from absorbing vitamin D from foods.

● You are overweight. Obese people seem to have low levels of vitamin D. It is still unknown whether vitamin D deficiency leads to obesity, or obesity leads to low vitamin D levels, but we do know that there is a connection.

Vitamin D deficiency is treated with vitamin D supplements.

Reference: VitaminDDeficiencySymptomsGuide.com