What it is
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and keeps bones and muscles healthy. Most of it is made in the skin in sunlight, and a smaller amount comes from food.
Vitamin D deficiency is very common in Bangladesh, despite plenty of sunshine. Spending most of the day indoors, clothing that covers the skin, darker skin, air pollution, obesity, pregnancy and some medical conditions all make deficiency more likely.
Long-term deficiency can weaken bones (osteomalacia in adults, rickets in children), cause muscle weakness and raise the risk of falls and fractures.
Common symptoms
Many people have no symptoms. When there are symptoms, they can include:
- Aches in the bones, lower back or legs
- Muscle weakness or cramps
- Tiredness
- Difficulty climbing stairs or getting up from a chair
- In children, bowed legs or delayed growth
When to see a specialist
- A blood test shows low vitamin D (25-hydroxy vitamin D)
- You have bone pain, muscle weakness or repeated falls
- You have osteoporosis, a fracture, or kidney or liver disease
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding and at risk of low levels
- Your vitamin D stays low despite supplements
Treatment and management
- Replacing vitamin D with supplements, at a dose that suits your level and health
- Checking calcium, and related tests such as parathyroid hormone when needed
- Safe sunlight exposure and foods that contain vitamin D, such as oily fish and eggs
- Rechecking levels after treatment, as advised
Very high doses taken without supervision can be harmful. Follow the advised dose and duration.
How an endocrinologist helps
Dr. Marium Zaman confirms the deficiency with the right blood test, looks for causes such as absorption problems or medicines, and sets a treatment and follow-up plan. Where needed, bone health and calcium balance are assessed at the same time.
