Potential Health Benefits of Vitamin D

• Cancer prevention

• Immune system support

• Improvement of cognitive function

• Improvement of mood and energy levels

• Improvement of muscle mass and strength

• Improvement of sleep quality

• Improvement of sexual function

• Maintenance of bone and teeth health

• Maintenance of healthy pregnancy

• Maintenance of heart health

• Maintenance of lung health

• Maintenance of normal blood pressure

• Modulation of the inflammatory process

• Reduction of cholesterol levels

• Regulation of blood sugar levels

• Regulation of kidney function

• Weight loss

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Vitamin D Deficiency

It is estimated that sensible sun exposure on bare skin for 5-10 minutes twice or thrice a week allows the body to produce adequate amounts of vitamin D. However, this vitamin has a half-life of only 2 weeks, meaning that vitamin D stores can be depleted. Recent studies have suggested that vitamin D deficiency affects almost 50% of adults and children worldwide. [252] Because of the extensive benefits of vitamin D for human health, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently increased the recommended daily allowance for vitamin D for adults and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children get adequate vitamin D.

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The following are the recommended intakes of vitamin D throughout life: 

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• Infants 0-12 months – 400 IU (10 mcg)

• Children 1-18 years – 600 IU (15 mcg)

• Adults to age 70 – 600 IU (15 mcg)

• Adults over 70 – 800 IU (20 mcg)

• Pregnant or lactating women – 600 IU (15 mcg)

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Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency

There are certain medical conditions and factors that can cause a deficiency in vitamin D. These include the following:

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• Kidney and liver diseases: These medical conditions decrease the production of an enzyme needed to convert vitamin D to its useable form.

• Cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, and celiac disease: These diseases prevent the intestines from absorbing adequate amounts of vitamin D.

• Gastric bypass surgery: This medical procedure involves removal of a part of the stomach and/or the intestines in order to reduce food intake and achieve significant weight loss. However, this weight-loss surgery impairs vitamin D absorption.

• Obesity: High amounts of fat hold onto the vitamin D, preventing it from being released into the bloodstream.

• Age: With advancing age, the skin’s ability to produce adequate amounts of vitamin D lessens.

• Skin color: People with dark-colored skin produce lesser amounts of vitamin D than those with fair-colored skin.

• Certain medications: Laxatives, steroids, seizure medications, weight-loss drugs, and cholesterol-lowering drugs decrease vitamin D levels in the body as a side effect.

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Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency

In men and women with vitamin D deficiency, the symptoms are generally subtle so they may not notice them easily, even if it’s having a significant impact in their quality of life.

The common signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency are the following:

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• Anxiety

• Bone loss

• Chronic pain

• Depression

• Erectile dysfunction

• Extreme fatigue

• Getting sick or infected often

• Hair loss

• High blood pressure

• Impaired wound healing

• Inflammation and swelling

• Joint and muscle pain

• Reduced libido

• Sleeping difficulties

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If you are suffering from symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, it is recommended to consult immediately with your doctor to get your vitamin D levels checked. A detailed physical examination will also help rule out any medical conditions, risk factors for vitamin D deficiency, and other factors that may affect vitamin D levels. If left untreated, severely low levels of vitamin D can lead to osteomalacia in adults, and rickets in children. Both of these diseases can lead to soft and weak bones, bone and muscle pain, and higher incidence of fractures.