Vitamin D deficiency is often difficult to detect because of the symptoms that are not specific. In fact, vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of bone problems, such as rickets and osteoporosis, and a weakened immune system.
Based on the recommended nutritional needs figures from the Ministry of Health, vitamin D needs to be consumed as much as 15 micrograms (mcg) per day by children, adolescents, and adults up to the age of 65 years. As for the elderly over the age of 65 years, the recommended dose of vitamin D is 20 mcg per day.
Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency or vitamin D deficiency is a condition in which the body does not get enough of it. This can happen because they consume less food sources of vitamin D or are rarely exposed to sunlight.
In addition, there are several conditions that can also cause a person to experience vitamin D deficiency, namely:
- Suffer from disorders or diseases that can inhibit the absorption of vitamin D in the digestive tract, such as inflammatory bowel disease and malabsorption.
- Suffered from milk allergy or lactose intolerance.
- Has a dark skin tone.
- Advanced age.
- Overweight or obese.
- Taking certain medications, such as anti-seizure medications or HIV treatment.
- Living a vegetarian diet.
Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency can be experienced by anyone, including infants, children, and adults. Although generally do not have specific symptoms, there are some signs and symptoms that can occur when the body is deficient in vitamin D.
In infants and children
Infants and children who are deficient in vitamin D can show the following symptoms:
- Hard to breathe.
- Muscle cramps and spasms.
- Slower growth.
- Teething is too late and running.
- Bone pain.
In addition to the symptoms above, the shape of the bent leg can be a sign of a child deficient in vitamin D. Easily affected by the disease can also indicate the child has vitamin D deficiency, because lack of this vitamin can weaken the immune system.
In adults
In adults, vitamin D deficiency is usually characterized by the following symptoms:
- Often experience muscle aches, back pain, and bone pain.
- The bones are brittle or break easily, even though they don't have a heavy injury.
- Susceptible to infectious diseases, such as flu.
- The body is easily tired or prolonged fatigue.
- Bad mood, or showing symptoms of depression.
- Wounds that are difficult to heal.
- Hair loss.
Some of the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency above can resemble the signs and symptoms of other diseases. To be sure, it is necessary to see a doctor. The doctor can do a blood test to find out vitamin D levels in the body.
Dangers of Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency cannot be considered trivial. The reason is, this condition can increase a person's risk of experiencing a number of health problems.
Vitamin D deficiency can cause growth disorders and bone strength. Usually marked with a bent leg bone. In children, this condition is called rickets, whereas in adults, it is called osteomalacia.
Apart from bone disorders, vitamin D deficiency is also known to increase the risk of several diseases, such as:
- Osteoporosis.
- Arthritis.
- Infectious diseases, such as pneumonia, sepsis, and tuberculosis.
- Depression
- Headaches and migraines.
- Dementia.
- Diabetes.
- Obesity
- Cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, heart failure, and heart disease.
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Hair loss.
- Cancer, such as breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.
Pregnant women who lack vitamin D intake are at risk of experiencing a number of pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and premature birth, and are at high risk of having a cesarean delivery.
How to Meet the Needs of Vitamin D
Adequate daily intake of vitamin D can keep bones strong and healthy, and prevent various diseases due to lack of this vitamin. The trick is to:
- Eat foods that are rich in vitamin D, such as cow's milk, soy milk, yogurt, eggs, and fish oil. Seafood, such as sardines and tuna, is also a good source of vitamin D for consumption.
- Bask in the morning sun for 20-30 minutes, at least 2 times a week.
- Take vitamin D supplements, if needed.
However, it should be remembered that the intake of vitamin D needs to be consumed as needed. Because vitamin D is a type of fat-soluble vitamin, excess vitamin D will be accumulated in the body. As a result, over time vitamin D poisoning can occur.
To find out the dosage and use of vitamin D supplements that are appropriate and in accordance with your health conditions, you should consult a doctor.
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