Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms

If you are concerned you may have Vitamin D deficiency symptoms, your worries are not unfounded. A recent study (March, 2010) surprised doctors at the McGill University Health Center, who found an epidemic of vitamin D deficiency. Health Canada and the U.S. Institute of Medicine are jointly studying the latest science to review recommended intakes for vitamin D dosage. 

Severe Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency:

• Calcium deficiency
• Rickets
• Osteomalacia (similar to rickets but in adults)

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency:

Most people do not show symptoms of vitamin D deficiency until complications are present, such as a fracture. If symptoms are present they may include:

• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Burning sensation in the mouth and throat
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia
• Visual problems
• Weight Loss

Causes of vitamin D deficiency:

What increases our need of vitamin D? What destroys it or reduces the amount absorbed?

• Alcohol
• Mineral oil
• The preservative sodium benzoate, found in many processed foods
• Synthetic estrogen – the pill
• Oxygen
• Heat
• Acidity
• Cholestyramine – cholesterol lowering medication
• Antacids
• Steroid hormones
• Some illnesses – an intestine that is not absorbing nutrients well, weak kidneys, etc
• Some medications - anticonvulsants

Who has a greater need for vitamin D?

• Children
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Alcoholics
• The elderly
• Those who do not get enough sun
• People with intestinal, liver, gall bladder or kidney disorders

Which foods are rich in vitamin D? vitamin D foods 

The challenge lies in that right now no one really knows how much Vitamin D we need, however more and more studies are linking diseases, including cancer, to vitamin D deficiency. If you find you have symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, ask your Doctor for a vitamin D blood test. Explore the vitamin D - osteoporosis link for more information.