Although vitamin deficiencies in the body are seen as insignificant, they can cause serious diseases and health problems. Lack of vitamin D, which directly affects bone health, can also cause disability. Health organizations explain that vitamin D “helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body.” Experts state that “everyone should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement during the fall and winter.” Because the body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight in the skin, you may not get any vitamin D on cloudy, gloomy, dark days.
Health complications from vitamin D deficiency include osteomalacia, osteoporosis, and fragility fractures.
OSTEOMALASIA
“Osteomalacia is the name for a condition in which bones become soft and weak,” says Versus Arthritis. He explains that bone is a living tissue, which means that old bone cells are constantly being replaced by new bone cells. Inside the bone is the “matrix”, which is a soft, light structure. The matrix is protected by layers of calcium and phosphorus that make up the outer shell.
“Vitamin D controls the calcium and phosphorus levels in your body,” says Versus Arthritis. “For example, vitamin D helps your body get calcium from food so it can be used to strengthen bones.” Without an adequate supply of vitamin D, there will be less calcium and phosphorus to form a strong protective outer bone shell. Soft and weak bones are more prone to painful fractures such as falls or simple blows.
There are other warning signs of osteomalacia that may include:
- Pain in bones and joints
- Muscle pain and weakness, especially after exercise
- Difficulty walking and a change in the way you walk – possibly wobbly
- muscle cramps
- Tingling in the hands and feet due to low calcium levels.
OSTEOPOROSIS
The Mayo Clinic states that osteoporosis causes bones to weaken and become brittle. Light movements such as bending over or coughing can cause your bone to break if you develop this condition. Most commonly, fractures occur in the hip, wrist, or spine when you have osteoporosis.
Symptoms of osteoporosis can include:
- back pain caused by a broken or collapsed vertebra
- Height loss over time
- a hunchbacked stance
- A bone that breaks much more easily than expected.
- fragility fractures
NICE said fragility fractures refer to broken bones caused by “low-level trauma.” NICE warns that “Osteoporotic fragility fractures can cause significant pain and serious disability.” If you’re concerned about your vitamin D levels, talk to your doctor, who can arrange a blood test.