What are the causes and symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency?
Vitamin D deficiency is quite common, especially among females. This vitamin is quite important for not only skeletal system but also other systems of body. It is necessary to keep a close check on the intake of Vitamin D-rich foods so you can keep the level maintained. Common causes of Vitamin D deficiency are - Intestinal disorders e.g. Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease, Cystic fibrosis - Surgery for weight loss - Compromised renal function - Compromised hepatic function - No exposure to sunlight - Dark skin color - Side effects of drugs e.g. laxatives, weight-loss drugs, steroids, cholesterol-lowering drugs Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency are - Bone ache - Easy bone fractures - Muscle cramps - Fatigue - Anxiety and depression - Dental problems - Creaking sounds when moving
There is a characteristic waddling gait due to proximal myopathy of the lower limb. Children will present with rickets and the range of symptoms are attributed to poor bone development. They include delayed closure of fontanelles, bossing of skull bones, enlargement of the distal ends of long bones and enlarged costochondral junctions due to excess accumulation of un-mineralized matrix, bowing of the limbs.
