Vitamin D Deficiency: Symptoms, Causes and Treament

Vitamin D deficiency is very common, and many people don’t realize they have it. Low vitamin D levels can contribute to fatigue, muscle weakness, bone pain, and low energy. Since symptoms can be vague, deficiency often goes unnoticed until blood work is done.

At Mountain View Primary Care Medical Clinic, vitamin D deficiency is something we commonly evaluate as part of preventive care and routine lab work.

Why Is Vitamin D Important?

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and maintain healthy bones. It also plays a role in muscle function and immune health.

Without enough vitamin D, bones can become weaker over time, increasing the risk of bone pain, fractures, and osteoporosis.

Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency

Some people have no symptoms at all. Others may experience:

• Fatigue or low energy

• Muscle aches or weakness

• Bone pain

• Leg cramps

• Frequent illness

In more severe cases, deficiency can lead to softening of the bones, known as osteomalacia in adults.

Who Is at Risk?

Vitamin D deficiency is more common in people who:

• Spend most of their time indoors

• Have limited sun exposure

• Have darker skin

• Are over age 65

• Are overweight

• Have digestive conditions like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease

• Have had weight-loss surgery

• Take certain medications, including steroids

• Have a vegetarian or vegan diet

Even in California, low vitamin D levels are common because many people spend most of their day indoors.

Sources of Vitamin D

Your body naturally produces vitamin D through sunlight exposure. Vitamin D can also be found in:

• Salmon and other fatty fish

• Egg yolks

• Fortified milk and cereals

• Yogurt

• Cod liver oil

Some people are still unable to maintain normal levels through diet and sunlight alone.

How Is Vitamin D Deficiency Diagnosed?

A simple blood test called a 25-hydroxy vitamin D test can measure your vitamin D level.

Testing may be reasonable if you have symptoms, osteoporosis, fatigue, or risk factors for deficiency.

Treatment for Low Vitamin D

Treatment depends on how low the level is. Some people may only need a daily supplement, while others require a higher prescription-strength dose temporarily.

Vitamin D supplements are generally safe when taken appropriately.

When to Talk to Your Doctor

If you have ongoing fatigue, muscle aches, bone pain, or concerns about low vitamin D, it may be worth bringing up at your next appointment. Vitamin D deficiency is common, and a simple blood test can help determine whether low levels may be contributing to your symptoms.

Dr. Sapna Rajput is a board-certified Family Medicine physician at Mountain View Primary Care Medical Clinic in Mountain View, California. We are currently accepting new patients.