Vitamin D Deficiency

Causes

Vitamin D deficiency arises from limited sunlight exposure, dark skin pigmentation, obesity, malabsorption issues like kidney or liver disease, and inadequate dietary intake. Foods rich in vitamin D, such as fatty fish and fortified dairy, are often insufficient without sun synthesis.

In urban India, indoor lifestyles and pollution exacerbate this, affecting up to 1 billion globally.

Symptoms

Common signs include bone pain, muscle weakness, fatigue, hair loss, frequent infections, and mood changes like depression. Children may develop rickets with bowed legs, while adults face osteomalacia or heightened fracture risk.
Severe cases are linked to hypocalcemia, respiratory issues, and increased mortality.

Complications

An untreated deficiency raises osteoporosis, falls, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer risks. It impairs immunity, worsening infections like flu or COVID-19.

Treatment

Supplements (1,500–2,000 IU daily) restore levels above 30 ng/mL, alongside sun exposure (15–20 minutes daily) and vitamin D-rich foods. Doctors monitor via blood tests; severe cases need higher doses under guidance.