Why vitamin D deficiency is rising: Signs, risk factors and how to prevent it

Low sunlight exposure, poor diet and lifestyle changes are pushing vitamin D deficiency higher across all age groups. From bone pain to rickets, here’s what to watch out for — and how to prevent it with simple habits. (Image: Pexels)

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphate from the intestines. It plays a key role in bone mineralisation and supports immune health and muscle function. It also influences cell growth. A deficiency can impair bone formation and trigger neuromuscular symptoms.

Deficiency may arise due to poor dietary intake or inadequate sunlight exposure. Other causes include malabsorption syndromes, chronic kidney disease, obesity, and liver disorders. Indoor lifestyles and high pollution levels also limit sun exposure. Since sunlight is required for the metabolism of vitamin D, factors that reduce UVB penetration — such as melanin, sunscreen, or living at higher altitudes — can hinder the conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol into cholecalciferol.

When vitamin D levels fall, calcium absorption drops, leading to hypocalcemia. Over time, this can cause osteomalacia in adults and rickets in children.

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Rickets results in poor mineralisation of growing bones, with signs such as widened wrists, bow legs, and delayed motor milestones. Early screening is especially important in exclusively breastfed infants and in children who receive minimal sunlight.

Other symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include bone pain, proximal muscle weakness, difficulty climbing stairs, fatigue, muscle cramps, and tingling or numbness in the limbs.

Elderly adults, infants, pregnant women, and people with obesity are at higher risk.

Dietary sources of vitamin D include egg yolk, milk, cereals, and fortified foods. Regular sunlight exposure and timely supplementation can help prevent deficiency. Treating underlying malabsorption conditions and avoiding unnecessary steroid use are also important.

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Early detection and appropriate treatment can minimise the risk of neuromuscular complications.

FAQs on Vitamin D Deficiency:

1. What are the common symptoms of vitamin D deficiency?

Common symptoms include bone pain, muscle weakness, difficulty climbing stairs, fatigue, muscle cramps, and tingling or numbness in the limbs.

2. Who is at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency?

Elderly adults, infants, pregnant women, and people with obesity are at higher risk.

3. How can vitamin D deficiency be prevented?

Vitamin D deficiency can be prevented through regular sunlight exposure, a diet including egg yolk, milk, cereals, and fortified foods, and timely supplementation if needed.

4. What causes vitamin D deficiency?

Causes include poor dietary intake, inadequate sunlight exposure, malabsorption syndromes, chronic kidney disease, obesity, liver disorders, and factors that reduce UVB penetration such as melanin, sunscreen, or living at higher altitudes.

5. Why is early screening important for vitamin D deficiency?

Early screening is important to prevent conditions like rickets in children and to minimise the risk of neuromuscular complications in adults.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.