Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency (pronounced: vahy-tuh-min dee dih-fish-uhn-see) is a medical condition that occurs when an individual does not have enough Vitamin D in their body. This deficiency can lead to a number of health problems, including rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
Etymology
The term "Vitamin D deficiency" is derived from the English language. "Vitamin" is a term that was first used in the early 20th century and is derived from the Latin word "vita", meaning "life", and the chemical suffix "-amine", which was thought at the time to be a part of all vitamins. "Deficiency" comes from the Latin word "deficientia", meaning "a lack or shortage".
Causes
Vitamin D deficiency can be caused by a variety of factors, including lack of exposure to sunlight, which is necessary for the body to produce Vitamin D. Other causes can include a diet that is low in Vitamin D, certain medical conditions that affect the body's ability to absorb or process Vitamin D, and certain medications.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency can include fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, mood changes, and difficulty thinking clearly. In severe cases, Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and makes them more likely to break.
Treatment
Treatment for Vitamin D deficiency typically involves increasing the amount of Vitamin D in the body. This can be achieved through increased exposure to sunlight, changes in diet, and taking Vitamin D supplements. In severe cases, high-dose Vitamin D tablets may be prescribed by a doctor.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Vitamin D deficiency
- Wikipedia's article - Vitamin D deficiency
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