Vitamin D Deficiency: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

A vitamin D deficiency can be a very serious condition. A lack of appropriate levels of vitamin D can cause bone and muscle weakness that can be quite painful. Vitamin D deficiency is most commonly caused by a lack of sun exposure, but there are also some causes that have their basis in disease. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency will lead to a timely diagnosis and medical intervention.

The main symptom of vitamin D deficiency is abnormal bone growth or soft bones. For example, infants may have soft skulls; while the fontanel's in toddlers skulls are slow to close. Slightly older children (ages 1 - 4) may have abnormal spinal curves or have bowlegs. These abnormalities may prevent the child from learning to walk as quickly as children who are not deficient in vitamin D. Teenagers may experience flattening of the pelvic bones and adult suffer from weakened bones, especially the pelvis, leg bones and spine. These areas's may feel inflamed and be painful to the touch. It is especially easy for people with vitamin D deficiency to suffer from broken bones; even a minor fall may result in a fracture.

Additionally, infants may develop Rickets. Rickets is a condition where bones soften. This can lead bone deformities and other abnormalities. Rickets can lead to developmental delays, causing the affected child to have difficulties learning to sit and crawl.

If a vitamin D deficiency is suspected, test will be done to confirm a diagnosis. X-rays or bones scans are used to determine bone density and to check for fractures. Blood is drawn for lab work to determine the level of vitamin D present.

Once a diagnosis of Vitamin D deficiency is reached, treatment can begin. Treatment is a simple matter. Injections or an oral preparation of vitamin D are given to the patient. Improvement will be seen almost immediately.

Prevention of vitamin D deficiencies is also easy. Eating a diet rich in vitamin D and spending plenty of time in the sun is all it takes.

A vitamin D deficiency may be suspected if a patient has unusually soft bones, easily fractured bones or bone deformities. Lap work and x-rays confirm diagnosis and treatment can begin. Once treatment or oral or injectable vitamin D commences, improvement will be seen immediately. Prevention of vitamin D deficiency is simple: eat a diet rich in vitamin D and get plenty of sun exposure.

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