Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency

Recurrence of disease and infection

 Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased incidence of colds , influenza, and respiratory infections. In a study published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine, it was conducted on 19,000 adults and adolescents, the results of which showed that people with lower levels of vitamin D were more susceptible to respiratory infections. compared to people with higher levels of vitamin D. [1] Many recent studies have also indicated that vitamin D may play an important role in enhancing the functions of the immune system, in addition to its role in building bones, and it may be for people with common lung diseases, such as: asthma, or emphysema - which is a disease. In the lung, it causes shortness of breath, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - more susceptible to respiratory infections resulting from vitamin D deficiency. [2]

Back pain

 Vitamin D deficiency may worsen back pain ; An observational study published in 2013 and conducted on 350 patients suffering from spinal stenosis in one of the lumbar vertebrae in the spine, and suffering from pain in the lower back and foot, showed that there is a relationship between severe pain and a high rate of vitamin deficiency. d they have

Bone problems 

A prolonged deficiency of vitamin D can lead to bone problems, including the following: 

•  Osteoporosis: Where bones become thin or brittle and are easily broken as a result of any minor trauma, this may be the first sign of osteoporosis, and this condition often affects the elderly. 
• Osteomalacia: This condition affects children, and leads to bone thinning, increased susceptibility to fracture, and deformities, in addition to short stature, feeling pain when walking, and dental problems.

Poor wound healing

Low levels of vitamin D lead to poor wound healing after surgery or injury; A laboratory study published in Burns magazine in 2016 indicated that consuming vitamin D nutritional supplements improves wound healing, collagen protein production, and the formation of new skin cells, such as: young fibroblast cells.  As one of the prelim

As one of the preliminary studies published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2014 and conducted on 112 patients with diabetic foot inflammation showed; People who suffer from severe vitamin D deficiency have increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, but there are not sufficient studies on the effect of consuming vitamin D nutritional supplements to reduce this inflammation. 

As for those who suffer from a leg ulcer; One study published in the journal Revista do Colégio Brasileiro de Cirurgiões in 2012 indicated that those suffering from leg ulcers with a size equivalent to 25 square centimeters consuming 50,000 IU of vitamin D supplements weekly for two months reduced the size of these ulcers to 18 square centimetres. The study showed that people with these ulcers suffer more from vitamin D deficiency.

Depression

 A meta-analysis published in The British Journal of Psychiatry in 2013 of 14 studies in which 424 people participated found that low levels of vitamin D are associated with depression , [ 10]. According to a preliminary study published in the Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy in 2005, researchers believe that vitamin D It is similar to the effect of neurosteroids in the brain, and there are receptors for it, and it has properties that secrete hormones and chemical compounds to transmit signals between cells (Autocrine), and other properties to stimulate changes in brain cells to change their behavior (Paracrine), and therefore its low levels may be associated with depression and other diseases. Mental disorders.

Excessive sweating

 Sweating is good for health, because it leads to the elimination of toxins in the fat cells under the skin. Excessive sweating is a sign of vitamin D deficiency. It should be noted that sweating in the head in particular is one of the first symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in children 

The following points explain the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in children:

 Bone pain Children with severe vitamin D deficiency may suffer from bone pain, especially in the legs, and their legs may appear bow-legged. They may also suffer from muscle weakness and pain, and this condition is known as rickets .

Poor growth Poor growth typically affects height, and children with low vitamin D levels may delay the ability to begin walking.

Increased risk of infection In the event of a severe deficiency in vitamin D levels, this may be associated with breathing problems as a result of weak chest muscles and rib cage.

Behavioral disorders An increase in irritability and agitation may be observed in children with vitamin D deficiency.

Imbalance of calcium levels Which leads to the appearance of some symptoms, such as: tetany; It is an involuntary muscle contraction, causing seizures, and cardiomyopathy .

Causes of vitamin D deficiency 

Vitamin D deficiency is likely due to several reasons, including the following:

•  Not getting the recommended amount of vitamin D.
•  Limited exposure to sunlight.
•  Digestive system problems, such as; Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease , wheat allergy, malabsorption, and cystic fibrosis. 
• Obesity. 

To learn more information about the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and obesity, you can read the article Vitamin D deficiency and its relationship to obesity . 

• Getting older. 
•  People with dark skin. 

 To know the details of the causes of vitamin D deficiency, you can read the article Causes of Vitamin D deficiency .

Complications of vitamin D deficiency 

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to many complications if it continues for long periods, including the following:

Cardiovascular diseases A review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in 2008 indicated that vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, [20] and another review published in the journal Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care in 2008 stated that this deficiency In vitamin D, which is linked to the risk of developing these diseases such as: stroke and heart failure, it may be due to its effect on diabetes or high blood pressure, while there is not enough information whether consuming vitamin D supplements may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Autoimmune diseases The prevalence of autoimmune diseases has increased over the past few decades. A review published in the journal Life Sciences in 2019 stated that the lack of sufficient amounts of vitamin D is a risk factor for the development of some autoimmune diseases , and therefore adequate levels of this vitamin must be maintained to maintain health. Reducing the risk of contracting these diseases.

Pregnancy complications A 2014 review published in the journal Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology stated that low vitamin D levels in pregnant women are common and lead to an increased risk of pregnancy complications including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes , and premature birth, but more is still needed. From studies on the effect of pregnant women consuming vitamin D supplements to alleviate these complications.

Some types of cancer A review published in the American Journal of Public Health in 2006 showed that the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of some types of cancer, such as: breast , prostate, colon, and ovarian cancer, and it is also believed that consuming vitamin D supplements may reduce the risk of cancer. And death.

Treatment of vitamin D deficiency 

Treatment of vitamin D deficiency aims to raise levels of this vitamin to safe levels while maintaining them and avoiding the risk of deficiency. The amount of vitamin D that the body needs to compensate for this deficiency depends on several factors, including the severity of the deficiency and health condition. The time of year also affects vitamin D needs. [18] The most prominent methods of treating vitamin D deficiency include the following:

• Nutritional supplements: which are available in two forms: D2 (Ergocalciferol) and D3 (Cholecalciferol).
•  Vitamin D injections: which are suitable for people who do not prefer to take oral medications or who may neglect to consume vitamin D tablets. 

Benefits of vitamin D

 Vitamin D is important for building bones and maintaining their health. This is because the body cannot absorb calcium ; Which is the main component of bones unless vitamin D is available. 

To read more about the benefits of this vitamin, you can refer to the article on the benefits and harms of vitamin D.