What is vitamin D?
The term “vitamin D” refers to several different forms of this type of vitamin. Two forms are important to the human body: Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol).
Vitamin D2 is synthesized by plants, while vitamin D3 is synthesized in the skin when it is exposed to ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays from sunlight. Foods may be fortified with vitamin D2 or D3.
Where is vitamin D found?
Vitamin D is available in various dietary sources, including fish, eggs, and fortified milk. Additionally, sunlight plays a significant role in the body’s production of vitamin D; just 10 minutes of sun exposure daily can help prevent vitamin D deficiency.
What are the benefits of vitamin D?
The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones.
What are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency?
- In children, severe vitamin D deficiency causes rickets (softening of the bones because of lack of calcium), which results in skeletal deformities.
- Other milder symptoms include muscle aches, bone pain & weakness.
- In adults, vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteomalacia, which results in muscular weakness in addition to weak bones.
- Low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia).
- High Levels of Parathyroid hormone.
- People vulnerable to Vitamin D deficiency including elderly individuals, Obese individuals, people less exposed to sunlight, babies dependent on breast milk without supplements.
Diseases and symptoms linked to Vitamin D deficiency:
Low levels of Vitamin D have been linked to an increased risk of various cancers, including colon, breast, and prostate cancer. Additionally, insufficient Vitamin D contributes to muscle weakness and raises the risk of multiple sclerosis, congestive heart failure, impaired lung function, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, schizophrenia, depression, and osteoporosis. Therefore, understanding your Vitamin D levels is crucial for overall health.
Certain populations are at higher risk for Vitamin D deficiencies, including the elderly, obese individuals, exclusively breastfed infants, and those with limited sun exposure. Additionally, individuals with fat malabsorption syndromes (e.g., cystic fibrosis) or inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease) are also at risk.
What are the tests performed to detect vitamin D deficiency?
- Vitamin D2 & D3 (Total Vitamin D) test by LC-MS/MS Tandem Mass Spectrometry
- Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
- Alkaline phosphatase
- Phosphorus, serum
- Calcium, urine
- Calcium, serum