Vitamin D deficiency and Pain

Dr. Camy Bhagat(PT)

MPT (Musculoskeletal Conditions with Sports)

vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency is now a global public-health problem

affecting an estimated 1 billion people worldwide. Yes, deficiency of vitamin D can
cause bone pain and muscle weakness. Vitamin D has been referred to as the
"sunlight vitamin" because it is made in our skin when we are exposed to sunlight.
What is vitamin D?

Vitamin D is one of the four fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). There are two forms
of vitamin D, D2 and D3. Vitamin D2, also known as ergocalciferol, comes from
fortified foods, plant foods, and supplements. Vitamin D3, also known as
cholecalciferol, comes from fortified foods, animal foods (fatty fish, cod liver oil, eggs,
and liver), supplements, and can be made internally when your skin is exposed to
ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

How Much Vitamin D Should We Take?

According to IOM (Institute of Medicine) in the form of RDA(Recommended dietary

allowances), 600 IU/day for ages 1 to 70 and 800 IU/day for over 70 years of age.

What does vitamin D do for your health?

Vitamin D serves several important functions in the body. These include:

1. Promoting calcium absorption
2. Maintaining normal calcium and phosphate levels
3. Promoting bone and cell growth
4. Reducing inflammation

What are the Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency?

1. Bone Pain
2. Muscle Cramp
3. Weakness
4. Tingling
5. Fatigue or Tiredness
6. Difficulty thinking clearly
7. Frequent bone fractures
8. Soft bones that may result in deformities
9. Back Pain
How is vitamin D deficiency diagnosed?

Blood test for the serum concentration of 25(OH)D. This is the type of vitamin D that
circulates in the blood. It’s considered a good reflection

What are the complications of vitamin D deficiency?

1. Impaired immune system functioning, which puts you at a higher risk for infection
2. Rickets, a condition that most commonly occurs in children that causes bone
softening
3. Insulin resistance, which affects your ability to use insulin to process blood sugar
4. Thin or brittle bones, which increases your risk for osteoporosis

How is vitamin D deficiency treated?

 Depends on how low your vitamin D levels, one should take Multivitamins
usually between 400 and 800 IU of vitamin D with each serving. people who are
very deficient in vitamin D may need higher levels of supplementation about
1,000 IU per day.
 About 15 minutes of sun exposure (early Morning) is usually enough to build up
vitamin D levels.
 Foods that are high in Vitamin D such as Cheese, Egg Yolk, Mushrooms and
fortified with Vitamin D such as Cereals and Milk

Quick, free, self-test of vitamin D deficiency

1. With your thumb, press on your sternum (breastbone).
Is it tender or painful?
2. Now, press on the tibia (shin bone) of both your legs.
Are they sore or tender?

If the answer is "yes" to both tests then you have a 93% chance of being
Vitamin D deficient.