Vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin used by body for normal bone development and maintenance by increasing the absorption of Calcium , Magnesium and Phsophate ( Omeed Sizar , Swapnil Khare , Amy Gilver 2019 )

A UK survey ( BMJ 2010 ) showed that more than 50% of the adult population have insufficient levels of Vit D and that 16 % have severe deficiency during winter and springIt is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world

Causes- Insufficient exposure to sunlight Inadequate dietary and supplemental vit D Impaired absorption egMalabsorption , obesity , severe liver failure Impaired activation of Vit D egCKD , Liver disease , inherited enzyme disorders Nephrotic syndrome Drugs egOrlistatAnticonvulsants - carbamazepine , phenobarbital , phenytoincolestyramine , corticosteroids , HAART ( antiretroviral therapy )rifampicin

Recommended test is to check circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D - {25 (OH )D level }

Risk factors -Pigmented skin Limited sun exposure or atmospheric pollution○ More than 90 % of Vit D is derived from UV B light○ Winter months ( oct- april ) in most of Western world UV B is inadequate for Vit D synthesis○ cultural reasons- covering skin○ strict sunscreen use Dietary eg○ strict vegans - who do...