Vitamin D Deficiency
Many people think that they are getting enough vitamin D from drinking milk and going outdoors in the sunshine. The reality is that most Americans, including children, have a vitamin D deficiency, which can interfere with their bone development, growth, and mood. At MI PEDS in Livonia, Michigan, Michael Wood, MD, a double board-certified pediatric endocrinologist, and our team diagnose and treat vitamin D deficiencies to help children and young adults thrive.
Vitamin D Deficiency Q & A
What is vitamin D?
Your body produces vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight. It’s also found in a few foods. The fat-soluble vitamin is produced or consumed in an inactive form that your body needs to convert into calcidiol, its active form.
Vitamin D promotes healthy bone growth by allowing your body to absorb calcium. It also supports muscle health and cell growth. Vitamin D also reduces inflammation, modulates your immune system, and aids cell growth. It also helps regulate your blood pressure and enhances cardiovascular health.
A vitamin D deficiency develops when your body can’t absorb or metabolize vitamin D or if you don’t consume enough vitamin D or spend enough time outdoors. Your risk of a vitamin D deficiency increases if you don’t spend a lot of time outside or if you’re obese. Intestinal health problems like Crohn’s disease and celiac disease can interfere with vitamin D absorption.
What are the signs of a vitamin D deficiency?
If your child has a vitamin D deficiency, they might not grow or develop as quickly as expected. They might also complain of bone pain and muscle cramps, aches, and weakness. Your child might also be fatigued or have a depressed mood.
When left untreated, vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis and rickets, conditions that interfere with bone and joint development and increase your child’s risk of bone fractures.
How is vitamin D deficiency diagnosed?
Most pediatricians screen for vitamin D deficiencies because of increased sunscreen use and the rising popularity of non-dairy milk products. However, if you’re concerned about your child’s health, our team offers exams and lab testing to assess your child’s vitamin D levels.
In most cases, a simple blood test reveals vitamin D deficiencies and other hormonal or health issues that can disrupt your child’s development.
How is vitamin D deficiency treated?
Our team at MI PEDS can prescribe supplements to boost your child’s vitamin D levels. If they have a deficiency, they might need a higher dose of vitamin D for a couple of weeks. However, we may also recommend adding a daily vitamin to your child’s diet to maintain appropriate vitamin D levels.