Vitamin D deficiency description:
Vitamin D deficiency occurs when the blood serum at 12 ng/ml (nanograms/milliliter) has 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25-OH-D) or lower concentration. In people with vitamin D deficiency calcium absorption does not usually satisfy the body’s needs. Therefore, vitamin D deficiency has serious impact on bone health and may increase the risk of osteoporosis as well as other health problems. Vitamin D deficiency occurs in people who neglect to eat foods rich in vitamin D and/or do not get enough sunlight.
Infants and children may suffer from additional vitamin D deficiency consequences such as difficulties with growing bones and rickets (characterized by imperfect calcification, softening, and distortion of the bones typically resulting in bow legs).
If vitamin D deficiency lasts for only a few days a year nothing wrong should happen. Yet, if the deficiency is prolonged to a few weeks, or even months osteomalacia, or rickets may develop.
See also: Vitamin D overview, Vitamin D deficiency causes and symptoms, Vitamin D deficiency diagnosis, Vitamin D deficiency treatment, Vitamin D deficiency prevention