Vitamin D deficiency, or hypovitaminosis D is defined as a vitamin D level that is below normal. It most commonly occurs in people when they have inadequate sunlight exposure. Vitamin D deficiency can also be caused by inadequate nutritional intake of vitamin D, disorders limiting vitamin D absorption, and conditions impairing vitamin D conversion into active metabolites—including certain liver, kidney, and hereditary disorders. Deficiency impairs bone mineralization, leading to bone softening diseases such as rickets in children. Vitamin D is essential for strong bones, because it helps the body use calcium from the diet.
Related Posts
