How is vitamin D deficiency treated?

Vitamin D deficiency is treatable. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, you can expect to have a good prognosis and a minimal risk of developing serious permanent complications, such as rickets, osteomalacia and osteoporosis.

Treatment of vitamin D deficiency includes:

  • Eating more foods rich in vitamin D, such as fortified milk and dairy products, liver, eggs, and oily fish

  • Increasing sun exposure

  • Taking oral vitamin D supplements

  • Treating underlying causes and risk factors for vitamin D deficiency

Receiving regular medical care, monitoring the condition, and treating any underlying diseases or disorders, such as Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, and liver disease, are also necessary to ensure a good prognosis.

What are the potential complications of vitamin D deficiency?

Complications of vitamin D deficiency can be serious. You can treat vitamin D deficiency and minimize the risk of complications by following the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you.

Serious complications of vitamin D deficiency include:

  • Bone deformities

  • Bone fractures

  • Osteomalacia (soft, weak bones due to lack of vitamin D during the bone-building process)

  • Osteoporosis (loss of calcium from previously formed bones)

  • Rickets (osteomalacia in children)

Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to:

INTRODUCTION

What is vitamin D deficiency?

Vitamin D deficiency is a common condition in which the body has inadequate stores of vitamin D. This fat-soluble vitamin is produced in the skin as a result of exposure to the sun’s rays, which are the main source of vitamin D. Vitamin D is also available in dietary supplements and in liver, eggs, oily fish, and fortified milk and dairy products.... Read more about vitamin d deficiency introduction

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency?

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the deficiency. Many people have no symptoms of vitamin D deficiency until complications, such as rickets (a softening of the bones in children), are present. Symptoms may also be mild or subtle. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include:... Read more about vitamin d deficiency symptoms

CAUSES

What causes vitamin D deficiency?

A major cause of vitamin D deficiency is limited sun exposure. Your skin produces vitamin D when it is exposed to the sun. Many people who live far from the equator in the northern and southern hemispheres get inadequate exposure to the sun because the sun’s rays are not strong enough during winter months. Having an indoor occupation and using sunscreen also limit the amount of sun exposure a person receives.... Read more about vitamin d deficiency causes

Medical Reviewer: Williams, Robert, MD Last Annual Review Date: Dec 20, 2010 Copyright: © Copyright 2011 Health Grades, Inc. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced or reprinted without permission from Health Grades, Inc. Use of this information is governed by the HealthGrades User Agreement.

This Article is Filed Under: Food, Nutrition and Diet, Celiac Disease

Vitamin D Deficiency Related Links