Vitamin D deficiency symptoms: Lacking in the sunshine vitamin could cause this condition

Vitamin D is obtained from sun exposure, food and supplements. It promotes calcium absorption in the gut and maintains adequate amounts of calcium and phosphate needed for bone growth and bone remodelling. Vitamin D has other roles in the body including cell growth, immune function and reduction of inflammation. When a person lacks in the vitamin, a dangerous condition can ensue.

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When vitamin D deficiency occurs it can cause the bones to become weak and lose proper function and this also includes the smallest bones in the body too.

This condition is known as osteopenia and the effect can result in a hearing loss or even deafness.

While calcium is the most critical mineral for healthy bone mass, vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium from the things one consumes.

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In addition to what the body takes from foods the body also makes vitamin D from sunlight.

The bones don’t reach maximum density unit roughly the age of 30 so for young adults having a healthy diet and getting plenty of sunlight will have long term benefits.

These two factors not only reduce the potential for fractures but also the risk of possible hearing loss or deafness.

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What is osteopenia?

Osteopenia is decreased bone density but not to the extent of osteoporosis.

This decreased bone density leads to bone fragility and an increased chance of breaking a bone.

It’s when the bones are weaker than normal but not so far gone that they break easily, which is the hallmark of osteoporosis.

The bones are usually at their densest when a person is aged around 30.

Osteopenia usually occurs after the age of 50. Studies have indicated vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency is a common problem in patients with osteopenia.

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Who’s most likely to suffer from osteopenia?

The condition happens when the body gets rid of more bone than it is creating.

Some people are genetically prone to it, with a family history of the condition.

Women are also more susceptible to developing the condition, this is due to the fact that women have lower bone mass than men.

Women also live longer than men, which means their bones age more.

The best way to prevent osteopenia is by living healthfully.

In regard to osteopenia, prevention includes ensuring adequate calcium intake either through diet or supplements, ensuring adequate vitamin D intake, not drinking too much alcohol (no more than two drinks daily), not smoking, and getting plenty of exercise.

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