What is Vitamin D deficiency?

Vitamin D is found at specific levels in the blood, and if it is decreased below this level, you will suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Which may cause bone and muscle problems. Vitamin D deficiency is a very common problem in the world and the Middle East. Nearly 80% of the population of the Middle East suffers from vitamin D deficiency. Fortunately, it is easy to prevent and treat. (1)(2)

What are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency?

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency often do not appear, and if they do appear, they may include one of the following: (3)

• Bone and muscle pain.
• Frequent incidence of colds, influenza, and various diseases.
• General fatigue and exhaustion.
• Slow healing of wounds.
• overweight.
• Hair loss.
• Low bone density.
• Anxiety and depression.

What are the causes of vitamin D deficiency?

The general causes of vitamin D deficiency can be explained as follows: (4)(5)

• Not getting enough vitamin D from food; Especially for individuals who follow a vegetarian diet.
• Lack of exposure to sunlight and frequent and permanent application of sunscreen.
• The body's inability to absorb vitamin D; Due to taking certain medications or suffering from a disease.

Who are the individuals most susceptible to vitamin D deficiency?

Some individuals are more susceptible to vitamin D deficiency, including: (6)

• Infants who depend entirely on breast milk; Breast milk lacks vitamin D, and if the child is breastfed, the doctor often recommends giving the infant 400 international units of vitamin D daily.
• Geriatrics, because their skin is not able to produce vitamin D as efficiently as before, in addition to the decreased ability of the kidneys to convert vitamin D into its active form.
• People who have dark skin; Dark skin reduces the body's ability to utilize the sun to make vitamin D.
• People with digestive disorders: which affect the body’s ability to absorb vitamin D from foods, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and ulcerative colitis.
• Those who suffer from obesity; This is because the fats in their bodies bind to vitamin D and prevent it from reaching the blood.
• Individuals undergoing gastric bypass.
• People with chronic kidney and liver disorders and diseases.
• Individuals who take medications that affect the way vitamin D is absorbed or converted within the body, such as cholesterol, epilepsy, and weight loss medications.

How do you know if you have a vitamin D deficiency?

If you exhibit any of the previous symptoms, do not hesitate to see a doctor who will order a blood test for vitamin D levels. (5)

• Normal level of vitamin D: between 30-100 ng/ml.
• Vitamin D deficiency: If the result is less than 30 ng/ml.
• Severe deficiency: if the result is less than 12 ng/ml.

How is vitamin D deficiency treated?

Vitamin D deficiency is usually treated using vitamin D supplements prescribed by a doctor, the dosage of which is determined depending on the severity of the deficiency you suffer from. In addition, it is recommended to eat foods rich in vitamin D, such as: (3)

• Oily fish.
• yolk.
• Breakfast cereals fortified with vitamin D.
• Milk and juices fortified with vitamin D.
• Liver.
• Yogurt.

References:

1. Vitamin D Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
2. Current vitamin D status in European and Middle East countries and strategies to prevent vitamin D deficiency: a position statement of the European Calcified Tissue Society
3. Vitamin D Deficiency: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
4.  Vitamin D deficiency: Causes, symptoms, and treatment
5.  Vitamin D Deficiency: 6 Causes, Common Symptoms & Health Risks
6. Vitamin D Deficiency: MedlinePlus