Vitamin D Deficiency

Although it’s important to try and get all of your vitamins and nutrients from food, some are less prevalent in food than others. Vitamin D falls under that category. Since most people require more Vitamin D in their diet, taking a supplemental form is typically necessary.

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is produced by the body in response to skin being exposed to sunlight. It also occurs naturally in a few foods - including some fish, cod liver oil, shiitake mushrooms, and egg yolks - and in fortified dairy.

Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption in the gut and maintains adequate serum calcium and phosphate concentrations to enable normal bone mineralization and to prevent hypocalcemic tetany (involuntary contraction of muscles, leading to cramps and spasms). It is also needed for bone growth and bone remodeling. Without sufficient Vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen. Vitamin D sufficiency prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. In addition, Vitamin D is involved with inflammation and proper immune system function.

Health Risks of Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a loss of bone density, which can contribute to osteoporosis and fractures. In adults, severe Vitamin D deficiency leads to osteomalacia. Osteomalacia causes weak bones, bone pain, muscle weakness, and can eventual result in hip fractures.

One of Vitamin D’s most important roles is keeping our immune systems strong so we are able to fight off viruses and bacteria that cause illness. It directly interacts with the cells that are responsible for fighting infection. If you often become sick, especially with colds or the flu, low vitamin D levels may be a contributing factor. Several large observational studies have shown a link between a deficiency and respiratory tract infections like colds, bronchitis and pneumonia. 

Vitamin D deficiency is linked with our body’s state of inflammation and therefore can put us at risk for many diseases. Some common conditions that have been linked to Vitamin D deficiency include asthma, allergies, heart disease and high blood pressure, diabetes, infections, some types of cancer, such as colon, prostate, and breast cancer, and multiple sclerosis.

The Bottom Line

Even if you spend all day in the sun, in certain parts of the country Vitamin D synthesis during the winter months is limited. Vitamin D deficiency is extremely prevalent in the US. In some parts of the country, the prevalence is as high as 70% of the population. While some foods such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy contain Vitamin D, it’s very hard to provide your body with the amount it requires. Taking a Vitamin D supplement is a great way to give your body the amount it needs to function properly.

Not sure how much Vitamin D you need? Contact your healthcare provider or reach out to me on my website for a consultation.