Vitamin D is a vital nutrient for our body. Also called the ‘sunshine vitamin,’ our bodies can produce this essential nutrient when exposed to sunlight. However, dietary sources and supplements can also fulfil nutritional requirements.
The primary function of vitamin D is to promote calcium absorption in the gut, which helps build and maintain strong bones and teeth. Calcium is the mineral that gives bones their strength, and without enough vitamin D, our bodies struggle to take calcium from food into the bloodstream. This can lead to weak bones and an increased risk of fractures, especially for children with rickets and adults with osteoporosis. Furthermore, inadequate levels of vitamin D in the body can also result in common bone-related illnesses.
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Vinay Kumar Gautam, Consultant, Orthopaedics, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune, sheds light on the same.
Also Read: What Happens When You Ignore Low Vitamin D Levels?
Who Is Most At Risk Of Vitamin D Deficiency?
A vitamin D deficiency can affect anyone. However, some people may be more at risk of the condition than others.
According to Dr Gautam, those with darker skin tones, digestive problems, and limited sun exposure are more at risk of developing vitamin D deficiency.
He says, “Mother's milk only contains a small amount of vitamin D, so breastfed newborns are also at risk of vitamin D deficiency, particularly if they get little sun exposure.”
Moreover, individuals who suffer from specific medical diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, Crohn's disease, or celiac disease, are also sensitive, as these conditions could hinder the intestinal system's capacity to absorb vitamin D.
Additionally, because body fat stores more vitamin D and modifies its release into the circulation, obese people are more likely to experience deficiencies, the doctor adds.
Common Bone-Related Illnesses Associated With Vitamin D Deficiency
The most common bone disease related to vitamin D deficiency is osteoporosis, says Dr Gautam.
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that weakens your bones and makes them more susceptible to fractures.
Often referred to as "brittle bone disease," it progresses gradually, with many people unaware they have it until a fracture occurs.
This condition is most common among older adults, particularly in postmenopausal women.
In general, osteoporosis is surprisingly widespread globally. A significant portion, nearly 20%, of the population suffers from osteoporosis, according to a 2022 study published in the journal Osteoporosis International.
Additionally, vitamin D deficiency in children is related to rickets, which cause softening and weakening of the bones, resulting in abnormalities, including bowed legs, says Dr Gautam. This in adults is related to osteomalacia, which causes bone and joint pain, muscle pain and weakness, weak bones that break easily, and difficulty walking.
Also Read: Expert Shares 8 Essential Tips for Safe and Effective Vitamin D3 Supplementation
How To Improve Vitamin D Levels
To get sufficient vitamin D, Dr Gautam shares that one can eat fatty fish, fortified foods (milk, cereals), sunlight exposure (safely!), and supplements.
He says that seeking advice from a doctor could help decide which course of treatment is good for the patient.
Adding further, he notes that supplements can also be taken, especially for those who have difficulty getting enough from diet and sunlight, with a general recommendation of 600–800 IU per day for most adults.
It is important that people undergo periodic blood tests that can be used for regular monitoring of vitamin D levels. Additionally, a balanced diet along with regular outdoor activity are other components of a healthy lifestyle that encourage overall health and ideal vitamin D levels, the doctor concludes.