How to Detect Vitamin D Deficiency?
Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. You can also contribute to osteoporosis because of the importance of their presence so that the calcium in the bones set properly.
Rickets
Rickets is a disease characterized by malformation of the bones caused by deficient mineralization as a result of inadequate intake of vitamin D.
Among the groups most vulnerable are children who live in countries where sun exposure is limited, especially if they are dark skinned, and those with malabsorption. To prevent rickets is recommended that children receive regular sunlight or if this is not possible to supplement the diet with vitamin D provided prescription.
Osteomalacia
In adults, vitamin D deficiency manifests as osteomalacia, characterized by a weakening of the bones that can lead to deformities, especially in the extremities, spine, chest and pelvis. The most common symptoms are pain of rheumatic and general weakness, which in many cases are mistaken for symptoms of osteoporosis. Older people with poor diets and do not leave the house or those that cover the whole body clothing, such as women of certain religions are more likely to suffer from this disease usually disappears after treatment with vitamin D.
Possible toxicity
Since vitamin D is stored in the body, excessive intake can cause problems over time of its toxicity. The most characteristic signs of hypervitaminosis D include excessive calcification of bones and soft tissues such as kidney and lung, and kidney stones are also frequent headaches, nausea and vomiting.
Vitamin D supplements are not necessary except in circumstances where sun exposure is not possible, but always be taken under medical supervision.