Vitamin D is also known as the sunshine vitamin because it is available from the rays of the sun. It is an essential nutrient that helps to keep us healthy and the body needs it to absorb calcium which is an important mineral for the health of our bones.
Vitamin D has many health benefits. It helps to strengthen our bones, regulate our blood pressure, reduces muscle spasms and prevents respiratory infections. It also helps to fight depression.
Although vitamin D can be obtained freely from the sun, a deficiency of this vitamin D is still possible, and it can be a cause for a lot of dangerous disorders.
Here are some of the adverse effects of vitamin D deficiency:
1. Rickets
Rickets is a childhood condition which is manifested by soft bones and slowed or delayed skeletal development. It is caused by severe vitamin D deficiency.
2. Osteoporosis
It is a condition which is characterized by fragile and sensitive bones. It is caused by depletion of calcium and bone protein. It is most prevalent in adults, most especially post-menopausal women.
Osteoporosis is related to vitamin C deficiency because vitamin D plays a great role in the body's absorption of calcium.
3. Depression and Fatigue
Vitamin D can benefit the body by promoting energy and enhancing a person's mood. It is a common for vitamin D sufferers to experience depression and fatigue.
4. Obesity
Obesity can be linked to vitamin D deficiency in some ways, and it can happen when insufficient amounts of vitamin D prevent the body's production of leptin, a hormone that regulates the fat in the body.
5. Osteomalacia
This is the term given to rickets when it affects an adult person. It is also caused by severe vitamin D deficiency.
6. Chronic Backache
Chronic backache follows when a person's back support is weakened due to the lower density of bones. Bone density is directly affected by the amount of vitamin D in the body. A deficiency of this vitamin can therefore lead to chronic back pain.
7. High Blood Pressure
Vitamin D is natures leading blood pressure regulator. It prevents blood pressure by limiting the body's production of one of its main causes, the substance called angiotensin II, which constricts blood vessels and triggers high blood pressure.
A deficiency of vitamin D reduces the body's ability to suppress angiotensin II. This can lead to hypertension.
These are some of the most common adverse effects of vitamin |D deficiency. If you notice some of these symptoms, you should consult a medical professional for proper advice and treatment.
