This video talks about Vitamin D deficiency, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Dr. Suchismitha Rajamanya, HOD and Lead Consultant in the department of Internal Medicine at Aster Whitefield Hospital, discusses the importance of Vitamin D for maintaining strong bones and muscles.
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency are generalized body pains, muscle aches, muscle cramps, and twitching of the muscles along with fatigue. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is crucial for bone development and maintenance, as well as calcium metabolism. Deficiency can lead to various health problems like rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults.
About 50 to 90 percent of Vitamin D is synthesized in our skin by the action of UV radiation. It also details how Vitamin D deficiency can be caused by various reasons including decreased sunlight exposure, inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption due to certain medical conditions, liver and kidney problems, and sometimes heredity.
Risk factors and Diagnosis
People who are at increased risk of developing Vitamin D deficiency include the elderly, the obese, hospitalized patients, and people who cover their skin extensively. The diagnosis is made by a blood test to measure 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels. A value less than 30 nanograms per ml is considered as deficiency.
The treatment for Vitamin D deficiency which involves supplementing with cholecalciferol. The dosage can vary depending on the severity of the deficiency. Dr. Suchismitha also recommends sunlight exposure for 20 to 30 minutes per day with 40% of the skin exposed to get the daily required amount of Vitamin D.
Apart from its importance for bone and muscle development, studies suggest Vitamin D might also play a role in preventing cancer, heart diseases, and diabetes mellitus. If you develop any symptoms suggestive of Vitamin D deficiency, consult the department of Internal Medicine at Aster Whitefield Hospital
To book an appointment, contact us at 080-4510 8888.
