Vitamin D Deficiency - what to look for

What are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency and how do I spot them?

Most people have no major symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency, usually more vague ones such as as tiredness or general aches and pains. Usually symptoms that can be attributed to lack of sleep, stress and colds, consequently they are often written off. Because of this lack of specific symptoms cases of vitamin D deficiency are often missed, but with 1 in 6 people being severely deficient in the Winter months its not something that should be ruled out.

Symptoms in Adults

• General vague aches and pains are common symptoms.

• Fatigue and muscle cramps.

• In more severe deficiency, there may be more severe pain and greater weakness. This may lead to difficulty standing up or climbing stairs, or can lead to the person walking with a waddling pattern.

• Bone pains may develop and are typically felt in the ribs, hips, pelvis, thighs and feet.

Symptoms in babies and children

• Babies with severe vitamin D deficiency can get muscle spasms (cramps), seizures and breathing difficulties. These problems are related to consequent low levels of calcium.

• Children with severe deficiency may have soft skull or leg bones. Their legs may look curved (bow-legged). This condition is known as rickets. 

• Poor growth. Height is usually affected more than weight. Affected children might be reluctant to start walking. 

• Tooth delay. Children with vitamin D deficiency may be late teething as the development of the milk teeth has been affected.

•Irritability in children can be due to vitamin D deficiency.

• Children with vitamin D deficiency are more prone to infections. Respiratory (breathing) symptoms can occur In severe cases. Breathing can be affected because of weak chest muscles and a soft ribcage.

• Rarely, an extremely low vitamin D level can cause weakness of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy).