What Are The Symptoms Of Vitamin D Deficiency

Brief Answer:
Possible symptoms explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,

I carefully read your query.

Many patients with vitamin deficiency, especially adults, do not have symptoms when they have vitamin D deficiency and they learn about it only after having bone scans and noticing that there are changes due to vitamin D deficiency. In some cases, they learn about this only after they have a fracture with minor trauma (due to osteoporosis).

In some cases, diffuse bone and muscle pains and also muscle weakness may be the presentation in patients with vitamin D deficiency. Problems with gait, difficulty walking, frequent falls and in rare cases chest tenderness may happen.

A blood test that checks for vitamin D levels may show if a patient has insufficiency or deficiency of vitamin D and further guide the treatment.

A bone scan called Dexa scan is the preferred test to screen for osteoporosis and osteomalacia (changes in bones that are very likely in vitamin D deficiency) as these may favor bone fractures- so it is important to check for it, especially in women after menopause.

As for the children with vitamin D deficiency, they may have problems with the growth, the bones get deformed, they may feel weak and have delayed milestones.

I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.

Regards,
Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician

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