Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D Deficiency is becoming a more prevalent health issue. Here are some surprising statistics that confirm this growing problem:

1. Approximately 9% of children are Vitamin D deficient
2. About 60% of children are insufficient (the level prior to being deficient)
3. 40% of Americans are deficient
4. About 30% of physicians and medical students are Vitamin D deficient!!!
5. 48% of young girls are deficient

Why is Vitamin D important?

Deficiency may cause osteoporosis, Rickets (childhood disorder causing growth impairment and deformity of the long bones), fatigue, bone pain, increased risk of falls, muscle aches, low back pain, and osteomalacia (bone thinning disorder).

It may also play a role in the following conditions:
1. Cardiovascular Heart Disease
2. Colon Cancer
3. Depression
4. Diabetes
5. Multiple Sclerosis
6. Hypertension
7. Asthma in children

What are the causes/risk factors of Vitamin D deficiency?
1. Inadequate sunlight exposure (UVB rays)
2. Inadequate consumption/diet
3. Dark skin
4. Certain digestive tract disorders
5. Obesity
6. Sedentary lifestyle
7. Breastfeeding exclusively with no Vitamin D supplementation
8. Age greater than 65
9. Medications interfering with absorption or metabolism (steroids, seizure medications)
10. Liver disease
11. Kidney Disease

Diagnosis is made by blood work. Deficiency is defined as a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of less than 20 ng per mL (50 nmol per L), and insufficiency is defined as a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of 20 to 30 ng per mL (50 to 75 nmol per L).

Treatment and sources of Vitamin D

1. Sunlight. People obtain 90% of Vitamin D from the sunshine. Researchers have suggested 5-30 minutes of sun exposure at least twice a week to maintain adequate status.
2. Food. Cod liver oil, mushrooms, salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, fortified orange juice, fortified milk and milk products, eggs, and fortified cereals.
3. Vitamin D supplements with pills or injection.

The recommended adequate intake dose for Vitamin D is:
1. Children and adolescents: 200 IU daily
2. Adults up to 50 years: 200 IU daily
3. Adults 51-70: 400 IU daily
4. Adults 71 and over: 600 IU daily

The Pediatric Academy recently recommended doubling the intake for children to 400 IU daily.
In adults, Vitamin D deficiency should be promptly treated with the above sources and then the maintenance dosages should be between 800-1000 IU daily.

Be aware of Vitamin D toxicity. Signs and symptoms include headache, nausea, metallic taste, and pancreatitis.

Please contact your primary physician for more information on Vitamin D. Thank you and have a nice day.