Vitamin D Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

The body needs vitamin D to function properly. Human body gets its vitamin D from the diet
and the most common source is the sunlight. The body needs to convert the sunlight intake
into the active form to use it. vitamin D deficiency occurs when the body doesn't convert
enough Vitamin D in active form to maintain optimal health. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that
supports several body processes, including the absorption of calcium, bone health, immune
system performance, and mood modulation.

Measuring Vitamin D Deficiency –

The amount of vitamin D deficiency varies depending on different factors, such as age, sex,
health status, and geographic location. In general, a blood level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D
(25(OH)D) below 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L) indicates a vitamin D deficiency. The ideal vitamin D
level, according to some experts, should be over 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L), while others
advocate even higher amounts.

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency –

1. Some common symptoms of vitamin D deficiency are as follows –

 Fatigue and tiredness
 Muscle weakness and pain
 Bone pain and osteoporosis
 Depression and mood swings
 Impaired wound healing
 Hair loss
 Reduced immune function

2. Women, in addition to the general symptoms listed above, women with vitamin D
deficiency may also experience –
 Menstrual cramps and irregular periods
 Preeclampsia during pregnancy
 Increased risk of gestational diabetes
 Increased risk of postpartum depression

3. Adults, Vitamin D deficiency can affect adults of all ages, but older adults are at a
higher risk. Some symptoms that are more commonly seen in adults with vitamin D
deficiency include –
 Chronic pain and fibromyalgia
 Difficulty walking or frequent falls
 Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
 Cognitive impairment and dementia

Factors which lead to vitamin D deficiency are as follows –

Limited sun exposure - The body naturally produces vitamin D when the skin is exposed to
sunlight, so people who spend most of their time indoors or cover their skin when they are
outside may not get enough vitamin D from sunlight.

Limited dietary intake - Vitamin D is present in egg’s yolk, milk, fish and cereal. If a person's
diet lacks certain foods, they may not acquire enough vitamin D.

Malabsorption disorders - The body's capacity to absorb vitamin D from diet can be
hampered by disorders like inflammatory bowel disease, cystic fibrosis, and celiac disease.

Kidney and liver diseases -These organs play an important role in vitamin D metabolism, so
people with liver or kidney diseases may not be able to process vitamin D effectively.

Does Vitamin D deficiency cause hair loss?

Even though the connection between vitamin D deficiency and hair health is complicated
and poorly understood, there is some evidence to support this theory.

Vitamin D plays a role in promoting healthy hair follicle growth and development, and it may
also help to regulate the hair growth cycle. Research has shown that people with hair loss
are more likely to have vitamin D deficiency compared to those without hair loss. The
precise mechanisms underlying this relationship, however, are not fully understood, and
more research is required to understand the link between vitamin D and hair loss.

It's worth noting that hair loss can have many different causes, and vitamin D deficiency is
just one possible factor. Other potential causes of hair loss include genetics, hormonal
imbalances, stress, medications, and certain medical conditions. As a result, if you are
suffering hair loss, you should consult with your doctor to discover the underlying cause and
appropriate treatment choices.

Treatment of the Vitamin D deficiency –

The deficiency of vitamin D can be cured by lifestyle changes, taking supplements and
changes in the diet.

Exposure to sun – In the presence of sunlight, the skin naturally produces vitamin D. We
should, however, be careful of the UV rays and take sunlight in the early morning hours
rather than later in the day.

Changes in diet – To combat deficiency, vitamin D rich vegetables and fruits should be
consumed. Vitamin D can be found in fish, milk and eggs, all of which are good sources.

Vitamin D supplements – In the event that sun exposure and diet changes fail to cure your
vitamin D deficiency, you can take external supplements such as capsules and tablets under
the supervision of a doctor.