Vitamin D Deficiency

January 23, 2023

Vitamin D is also known as sunshine vitamin and is produced when body is exposed to sunlight. It assists in regulating amount of phosphate and calcium in the body- the nutrients required to keep teeth, muscles, and bones healthy. Vitamin D, combined with calcium, is essential for strengthening of bones. In addition, it is also required for movement of muscles and helps nerves in carrying messages between brain and body. The immune system needs vitamin D for fighting viruses and bacteria.

Click here for more information about importance of Vitamin D for health- by Dr.Rajaneesh Kumar, Consultant Internal Medicine (Al Hilal Hospital, Bahrain)

For consultation regarding vitamin D deficiency or any other internal disease, contact Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine today and get an appointment with the best Internal Medicine doctor in Bahrain.

Our representatives are available on WhatsApp helpline, in Al Hilal Manama, Salmabad, Riffa and Muharraq branches, for your convenience. We also offer exclusive packages and privilege cards for additional benefits- to provide affordable yet exceptional healthcare services to all our patients.

Vitamin D Levels

While some of the individuals can make vitamin D from the sunlight on their skin, others need regular supplements to make sure their vitamin D levels stay within the standard range.                The vitamin D levels required by children above the age of 1 are: 10 micrograms a day- the same is applicable for adults, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and the individuals with high risk of vitamin D deficiency. Infants under the age of one require 8.5- 10 microgram of vitamin D daily.

Click here for more information about importance of Vitamin D for health- by Dr.Rajaneesh Kumar, Consultant Internal Medicine (Al Hilal Hospital, Bahrain)

Vitamin D Deficiency Disease

There is no specific vitamin D deficiency disease, however, severe deficiency of vitamin D in adults might lead to osteomalacia- that causes bone pain and weakness of bones and muscles. Vitamin D deficiency also leads to loss of bone density, that contributes to fractures and osteoporosis. It is also linked to several other medical conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune conditions, like multiple sclerosis.

In children, vitamin D deficiency causes rickets- a rare disease that causes soft bones and skeletal deformities- and is also known to cause severe asthma.

Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency/ Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms in Adults

The common vitamin D deficiency symptoms in adults include:

  • Frequent infections and illness
  • Tiredness and fatigue
  • Back and bone pain
  • Depression
  • Slow healing of wounds
  • Bone loss
  • Hair loss
  • Pain in muscles
  • Weight gain
  • Anxiety

In children, symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include shorter sleep duration, poor quality of sleep and delayed bedtimes.

If you have any of the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency mentioned above, contact Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine for early diagnosis and treatment. Our representatives are also available on WhatsApp helpline, in Al Hilal Manama, Salmabad, Riffa and Muharraq branches.

Vitamin D Deficiency Causes     

Generally, vitamin D deficiency causes include:

  • Insufficient intake of vitamin D in diet
  • Not getting enough sunlight exposure
  • Body’s inability to absorb vitamin D properly
  • Inability of liver and kidney to convert vitamin D into active form in the body
  • Taking medication that interferes with the body’s ability to absorb or convert vitamin D
  • Certain medical conditions, medication, and weight loss surgeries

Vitamin D Deficiency Treatment              

Vitamin D deficiency treatment  mainly includes increasing intake of vitamin D, through supplements and diet. Vitamin D rich food items includes egg yolks, fish liver oils and some types of fish. In addition, it is also found in grain products and fortified dairy, and all of these can be consumed to cover the deficiency.

Vitamin D supplements come in two forms- D2 and D3. Consult a healthcare practitioner to get information and prescription of vitamin D supplements, according to your age and health conditions.

Click here for more information about importance of Vitamin D for health- by Dr.Rajaneesh Kumar, Consultant Internal Medicine (Al Hilal Hospital, Bahrain)

For consultation regarding vitamin D deficiency or any other internal disease, contact Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine today and get an appointment with the best Internal Medicine doctor in Bahrain.

Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine

If you have symptoms of vitamin D deficiency or any other internal issue, consult an expert Internal Medicine Doctor at the earliest. At Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, we have highly qualified and experienced doctors, modern equipment, and state-of-the-art laboratories, to provide early detection and treatment options for all patients.

Contact Al Hilal Hospital, and get consultation with the best Internal Medicine Doctor for vitamin D deficiency as well as other internal diseases. For your convenience, our representatives are also available on WhatsApp helpline, in Al Hilal Manama, Salmabad, Riffa and Muharraq branches.

We also offer exclusive packages and privilege cards for additional benefits, to provide affordable yet exceptional healthcare services to all our patients.

MBBS, MD