14 Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency: 12 Causes & Treatment

health centershealth & living center The goals of treating and preventing the lack of vitamin D are the same. It is to reach and keep an adequate level of vitamin D in the body. Your healthcare provider will let you know how long you need to continue vitamin D supplements. Eating more foods that contain vitamin D daily helps regulate vitamin D levels. Keep in mind that foods alone usually don't meet the daily recommended levels of vitamin D. An optimal physical activity is essential to make sure vitamin D is absorbed into the bone tissue. Fourteen signs of vitamin D deficiency include: Although there’s no single cause for deficiency, your overall risk may be higher as a result of certain underlying conditions or lifestyle factors. Some of the most common risk factors for vitamin D deficiency are having dark skin. Twelve causes of vitamin D deficiency include: People who live near the equator and get frequent sun exposure are less likely to have a deficiency because their skin produces enough vitamin D. Some medications that can cause vitamin D deficiency include: Always tell your healthcare professional about the drugs and any vitamin D supplements or other supplements or herbs/alternative health products that you take. Your healthcare professional can order a blood test to measure your levels of vitamin D. Two types of tests may be ordered that include: The most common test for vitamin D deficiency is the 25-hydroxy vitamin D test because 25-hydroxy, or calcidiol, has higher concentrations and stays in your blood longer, which makes it easier to detect. Moreover, you may be able to take an at-home test in which you collect a small drop of blood yourself through a simple finger prick. These tests are accessible and convenient, and your healthcare professional helps you understand the results. Although your body can synthesize vitamin D when exposed to the sun, this method is no longer recommended due to the erratic nature of absorption and the risk of skin cancer on being exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D deficiency is usually treated with supplements. If a healthcare professional finds that you have a deficiency, they may recommend the following options. Oral supplements are the main treatment option for vitamin D deficiency. You can easily buy these over the counter but should ask a doctor for dosage recommendations. Magnesium helps activate vitamin D, so you can take this mineral. For severe deficiency, a doctor may recommend a prescription with vitamin D, which comes in much stronger doses of up to 50,000 IU. Your doctor may consider vitamin D injections. Eat more vitamin D-rich foods such as: ©1996-2025 MedicineNet, Inc. An Internet Brands company. All rights reserved. Terms of Use. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.