Hypovitaminosis D

Hypovitaminosis D

Hypovitaminosis D is a deficiency of vitamin D in the body, which can lead to a variety of health issues. Vitamin D is crucial for maintaining bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. This article explores the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of hypovitaminosis D.

Causes

Hypovitaminosis D can result from several factors, including:

• Inadequate Sun Exposure: Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin upon exposure to sunlight. Limited sun exposure, especially in higher latitudes or during winter months, can lead to deficiency.
• Dietary Insufficiency: A diet low in vitamin D-rich foods, such as fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and egg yolks, can contribute to deficiency.
• Malabsorption: Conditions like Celiac Disease or Crohn's Disease can impair the absorption of vitamin D from the diet.
• Liver and Kidney Disorders: These organs are involved in converting vitamin D to its active form. Diseases affecting them can lead to deficiency.
• Obesity: Vitamin D is sequestered in adipose tissue, reducing its bioavailability in obese individuals.

Symptoms

The symptoms of hypovitaminosis D can vary depending on the severity of the deficiency:

• Bone Pain and Weakness: Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, and deficiency can lead to bone pain and muscle weakness.
• Rickets in Children: A severe deficiency can cause rickets, characterized by soft and weak bones, leading to skeletal deformities.
• Osteomalacia in Adults: Similar to rickets, osteomalacia involves the softening of bones, resulting in fractures and bone pain.
• Increased Risk of Infections: Vitamin D plays a role in immune function, and deficiency may increase susceptibility to infections.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hypovitaminosis D is typically made through a blood test measuring the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, the major circulating form of vitamin D. Levels below 20 ng/mL are generally considered deficient.

Treatment

Treatment involves replenishing vitamin D levels through:

• Supplements: Vitamin D supplements are commonly used to treat deficiency. The dosage depends on the severity of the deficiency and individual patient needs.
• Dietary Changes: Increasing the intake of vitamin D-rich foods can help improve levels.
• Sun Exposure: Encouraging safe sun exposure can boost vitamin D synthesis in the skin.

Prevention

Preventing hypovitaminosis D involves:

• Adequate Sun Exposure: Regular, safe exposure to sunlight can help maintain healthy vitamin D levels.
• Balanced Diet: Consuming a diet rich in vitamin D, including fortified foods, can prevent deficiency.
• Regular Screening: At-risk populations, such as the elderly or those with malabsorption issues, should have regular vitamin D level checks.

See Also

• Vitamin D
• Rickets
• Osteomalacia
• Calcium Metabolism

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NIH genetic and rare disease info

• NIH info on Hypovitaminosis D

Hypovitaminosis D is a rare disease.