Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones. We get some of it from food, but most comes from sunlight (hence its nickname, the “sunshine vitamin”). Vitamin D deficiency can result in weak, brittle bones. Children who don’t get enough may have rickets, and adults with vitamin D deficiency are at a greater risk for osteoporosis. Understanding how to spot Vitamin D deficiency symptoms can help individuals avoid potentially catastrophic consequences of not getting enough of this vital nutrient.
Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms
• Osteoporosis
• Periodontal Disease and Cavities
• Bone pain
• Muscle cramps
• Poor growth in children
• Spine and other bone deformities
• Bowed legs
• Asthma – Recent studies have found that Vitamin D is linked to better control of asthma symptoms. An increase in the severity of asthma symptoms, particularly among children, may be caused by low levels of Vitamin D.
While these are complicated diseases and there are obviously other factors involved in any individual’s risk, it’s true that a common risk factor for each and every one of these diseases is a Low Vitamin D level!!
Vitamin D Deficiency Treatment
Fortunately, a lack of Vitamin D is easily corrected once it is properly diagnosed and appropriately treated.
1. Safe sun exposure – Around 10 to 15 minutes a day in the summer sun without sunscreen is enough to top up vitamin D levels for most people. The best time of day for making vitamin D from sunlight is 11am to 3pm, April to October. But don’t excessive sun exposure, that would increases your risk of skin cancer.
2. Eat foods rich in vitamin D – Oily fish and especially cod liver oil are rich in vitamin D. Beef liver, eggs and cheese also contain small amounts. Vitamin D is added to some foods like milk and fortified breakfast cereals. Vitamin D is also available in supplemental form and multivitamins.
Speak to your doctor today if you think you suffer from low levels of Vitamin D, a proactive approach to prevention can assist in the avoidance of the many chronic diseases associated with vitamin D deficiency.
