VITAMIN D TEST

What are the signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency?

Severe lack of vitamin D in children causes rickets. Symptoms of rickets include:

• Incorrect growth patterns due to bowed or bent bones.
• Muscle weakness.
• Bone pain.
• Deformities in joints.

This is very rare. Children with a mild vitamin deficiency may just have weak, sore and/or painful muscles.

Lack of vitamin D isn’t quite as obvious in adults. Signs and symptoms might include:

• Fatigue.
• Bone pain.
• Muscle weakness, muscle aches or muscle cramps.
• Mood changes, like depression.

However, you may have no signs or symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.

What causes vitamin D deficiency?

In general, the two main causes of vitamin D deficiency are:

• Not getting enough vitamin D in your diet and/or through sunlight.
• Your body isn’t properly absorbing or using vitamin D.

There are several specific causes of vitamin D deficiency, including:

• Certain medical conditions.
• Weight loss-surgeries.
• Certain medications.

Several different biological and environmental factors can also put you at a greater risk of developing vitamin D deficiency, such as older age and the amount of melanin (pigment) in your skin.

Medical conditions that can cause vitamin D deficiency

Medical conditions that can cause vitamin D deficiency include:

• Cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease and celiac disease: These conditions can prevent your intestines from adequately absorbing enough vitamin D through supplements, especially if the condition is untreated.
• Obesity: A body mass index greater than 30 is associated with lower vitamin D levels. Fat cells keep vitamin D isolated so that it’s not released. Obesity often requires taking larger doses of vitamin D supplements to reach and maintain normal levels.
• Kidney disease and liver disease: These conditions reduce the amount of certain enzymes (hepatic enzyme 25–hydroxylase from your liver and 1-alpha-hydroxylase from your kidneys) your body needs to change vitamin D to a form it can use. A lack of either of these enzymes leads to an inadequate level of active vitamin D in your body.

Weight-loss surgeries and vitamin D deficiency

Weight-loss surgeries that reduce the size of your stomach and/or bypass part of your small intestines, such as gastric bypass surgery, make it difficult for your body to absorb sufficient quantities of certain nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

If you’ve had weight-loss surgery, it’s important to see your healthcare provider regularly so they can monitor your vitamin D levels and other nutrient levels. You’ll likely need to take vitamin D supplements and other supplements throughout your life.

Medications that can cause vitamin D deficiency

Certain medications can lower vitamin D levels, including:

• Laxatives.
• Steroids (such as prednisone).
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs (such as cholestyramine and colestipol).
• Seizure-preventing drugs (such as phenobarbital and phenytoin).
• Rifampin (a tuberculosis drug).
• Orlistat (a weight-loss drug).

Always tell your healthcare provider about your medications and any supplements and/or herbs you take.