How to recognize a severe vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D is one of the fat-soluble vitamins and can be stored and even produced by the body. But for this it needs sunshine. If you don’t spend enough time outdoors, you can only produce a small amount of vitamin D during the day. Over time, vitamin D reserves are depleted and a deficiency occurs. What symptoms can occur?

Symptoms: When do we speak of a deficiency?

If the body does not have a new one for a long period of time vitamin D could produce and symptoms are clearly expressed, one speaks according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) from a vitamin D deficiency. The vitamin D content in the body is measured using blood values. The decisive factor is 25-hydroxyvitamin D. However, these values ​​“are subject to strong seasonal fluctuations,” writes Das RKI. If values ​​are measured that are too low, this does not mean that there is a long-term vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D deficiency: What symptoms can occur in children and adolescents?

According to the Society for Vitamin Research (GVF), vitamin D is needed, among other things, to build bones and teeth and for a powerful immune system. A deficiency can become apparent through serious symptoms. Children can develop rickets if they have a severe chronic deficiency. The disease weakens the bone substance and can lead to severe deformation of the legs. According to the RKI, a deficiency in children can also trigger the following symptoms:

• Bone growth disorders
• reduced muscle strength
• Muscle weakness
• Muscle cramps
• higher susceptibility to infection

Muscle cramps can occur, according to the medical Technical encyclopedia MSD Manual This occurs especially in infants if the mother has already suffered from a vitamin D deficiency. This is then passed on to the child because he or she does not absorb enough vitamin D through breast milk. Muscle cramps in infants are often considered the first sign of rickets, according to the MSD Manual. The cramps also occur on the face or in the hands and feet.

From the age of one, children who suffer from rickets due to a vitamin D deficiency can develop bowlegs, knock-knees or curvature of the spine. Bow or knock-knees can also be a symptom of severe vitamin D deficiency in young people. You may also have pain when walking.

Vitamin D deficiency: symptoms in adults at a glance

A vitamin D deficiency has a major impact on bone health. This also applies to adults. According to the RKI, the following symptoms can occur:

• Bone pain
• Deformations of the supporting bones
• Muscle weakness
• Reduced strength

According to the MSD Manual, the spine, pelvis and legs in particular can become weak.

The RKI writes that studies have found a connection between a vitamin D deficiency and high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes mellitus or cancer. Whether the vitamin D deficiency is actually the cause needs to be further investigated. Recently, the German Cancer Research Center evaluated some studies and came to an exciting result: Vitamin D is said to be able to increase the chance of survival from cancer.

Seniors with vitamin D deficiency suffer from these symptoms

In older patients, long-term undersupply can contribute to osteopenia (low bone density) or osteoporosis (bone loss), according to the GVF. Bone fractures can occur more frequently – even with minor shocks.

According to the MSD Manual, seniors require higher amounts of vitamin D than younger people because the skin no longer produces as much vitamin D, even when they are outdoors.

Prevent symptoms: Who should have their vitamin D levels tested?

People with chronic diseases of the digestive tract or with liver or kidney diseases should have their vitamin D levels checked. Some medications can also impair vitamin D metabolism, for example antiepileptics or cytostatics.

According to the RKI, not only people with certain diseases belong to the risk group, but also:

• People who are rarely outdoors. Only a small part of the daily requirement is covered through diet. The rest comes from the sun’s rays. By the way, there is a myth that persists: Avocados have no vitamin D.
• People who cover themselves for religious or cultural reasons.
• People with darker skin types who are less sensitive to UV. Due to the high pigmentation of the skin, more UV rays are needed to suffice vitamin D too produced. In Germany the required exposure is difficult even in summer.

Vitamin D: symptoms of overdose

According to the MSD Manual, an acute vitamin D overdose can cause the following symptoms:

• Loss of appetite
• nausea
• Vomit
• Feeling of weakness
• nervousness
• high blood pressure

In the event of a prolonged overdose, the calcium content in the blood is too high. The body then stores the mineral in the kidneys and lungs, among other places. The excess is treated by stopping the vitamin D tablets.

If you are interested in the topic of vitamin D, you can read more here: Can vitamin D help with depression?