TriVita on Vitamin D Deficiency
Summary of Source: TriVita Article Vitamin D Deficiency (Hypovitaminosis D)
Vitamin D deficiency describes low levels of Vitamin D in the blood. This condition can lead to a condition known as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. They are two forms of skeletal diseases that weaken bones. It is important to contact your healthcare provider if you think you have Vitamin D deficiency.
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Causes
Vitamin D deficiency can be caused by:
- Inadequate intake of Vitamin D in the diet
- Limited exposure to sunlight
- Kidney disease
- The inability to absorb Vitamin D from the digestive tract
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. The following factors may increase your chance of developing Vitamin D deficiency:
- Lactose intolerance
- Strict vegetarianism
- Infants fed only breast milk without Vitamin D supplementation
- Syndromes that cause fat malabsorption, like celiac sprue or Crohn’s disease
- Kidney disease
Prevention
To help reduce the chances of getting Vitamin D deficiency, the following groups of people should talk with their doctor about whether they need a daily Vitamin D supplement:
- Infants who are exclusively breastfed
- People aged 50 and older
- People living in northern latitudes (eg, New England, Alaska)
- People working in occupations that prevent sun exposure
- People with darker skin (eg, African Americans)
- People with fat malabsorption (eg, pancreatic enzyme deficiency, Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, liver disease, surgical removal of part or all of the stomach or intestines).
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