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What Causes Vit D Deficiency?

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Posted on Wed, 21 May 2014
Question: I've had 2 surgeries on my right foot and both have been non unions and now I'm looking at a 3rd (2 different Drs). The Dr. ordered full blood panel tests to be done...still waiting on all of the results, although the test for Vitamin D came back extremely low (Dr. said the normal range was 29-150 and I was at 13). What I've read is lack of sunshine, but I'm out in the sun very often. Also kidney/liver disease....but what kind? What typically is the cause and how serious is this?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Its not serious disease, simple supplement need

Detailed Answer:
Hello

I have studied your case

Vit D3 is important for bone maintenance; low level can cause weakness of vertebral architecture along with all other bones.
For low level of vitD you need supplement or vit D injection.
Vit D deficiency is very common worldwide in spite of exposure to sunlight.
Vit D is synthesized in liver and kidney so any parenchymal disease of these organs can lead to vit D deficiency.

Its not serious disease, simple supplement will improve vit D level.
You need to start supplement of calcium with vitamin D, vit B12

You need to take diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (48 hours later)
I've heard primary hyperparathyroidism tumors are also a common cause of Vit D deficiency... How can I rule this out? Is there a blood test that can be done? Or what tests are performed for this? What type of specialty Doctor, if any, would I consult? I get plenty of sun and already take vitamin supplements that have Vit D (250% of daily recommended dosage). Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Testing of the intact parathyroid hormone level

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

You can perform various test to know parathyroid functioning
Total serum calcium and albumin levels or ionized calcium levels should be measured. Hypercalcemia should be documented on more than one occasion before a diagnostic workup is undertaken.
Testing of the intact parathyroid hormone level is the core of the diagnosis. An elevated intact parathyroid hormone level with an elevated ionized serum calcium level is diagnostic of primary hyperparathyroidism. A 24-hour urine calcium measurement is necessary to rule out FHH.
Ultrasonography of the neck is a safe and widely used technique for localization of abnormal parathyroid glands.
Nuclear medicine scanning with radiolabeled sestamibi is also a widely used technique.
CT scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have also been used also to locate abnormal parathyroid glands. Dual-energy radiographic absorptiometry is a useful tool to demonstrate the skeletal involvement in primary hyperparathyroidism.
You can consult endocrinologist or MD internal medicine for this.
Continue your vit D supplement.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.

Take care.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1998

Answered : 5164 Questions

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What Causes Vit D Deficiency?

Brief Answer: Its not serious disease, simple supplement need Detailed Answer: Hello I have studied your case Vit D3 is important for bone maintenance; low level can cause weakness of vertebral architecture along with all other bones. For low level of vitD you need supplement or vit D injection. Vit D deficiency is very common worldwide in spite of exposure to sunlight. Vit D is synthesized in liver and kidney so any parenchymal disease of these organs can lead to vit D deficiency. Its not serious disease, simple supplement will improve vit D level. You need to start supplement of calcium with vitamin D, vit B12 You need to take diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. Wishing you good health. Take care.