Although it sounds trivial, the result kVitamin D deficiency can affect many organs in the body, including bones and teeth. This condition of vitamin D deficiency is not only experienced by infants and children, but can also occur in adults.
Various factors can cause vitamin D deficiency, including lack of sun exposure, being overweight (obesity), and lack of consumption of foods containing vitamin D.
Impact of Vitamin D Deficiency on Infants and Children
Mild vitamin D deficiency generally does not show typical symptoms. But in severe conditions, vitamin D deficiency in infants can cause stiff muscles, convulsions, and even difficulty breathing.
If it occurs in children, vitamin D deficiency can cause various disorders, such as:
- Rickets. This condition will cause the child to experience pain in the leg bones, muscle pain, and muscle weakness. Rickets can also cause problems with the shape of your child's feet, for example, O or X legs.
- Growth disorders. Lack of vitamin D in children will have an impact on growth disorders in height.
- Delayed tooth growth.
- Mood and emotions are volatile.
- Susceptibility to infections, including infections of the respiratory system.
- Weakness of the heart muscle or cardiomyopathy.
Dangers of Vitamin D Deficiency in Adults
In addition to children, vitamin D deficiency can also be experienced by adults. Complaints, such as fatigue, vague aches or pains, and feeling unwell, are often atypical symptoms in adults with vitamin D deficiency or mild deficiency. Meanwhile, in severe conditions, vitamin D deficiency in adults can lead to osteomalacia.
In addition, a number of studies have found an association between vitamin D deficiency and the occurrence of the following diseases:
Dementia
A study found that adults who were deficient in vitamin D had twice the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease, compared to people whose vitamin D needs were met.
Schizophrenia
A 2014 study showed that a person who is deficient in vitamin D is at a higher risk of developing schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations, a tendency to withdraw from society, and talk inconsequential.
Heart disease
A study says that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a number of heart diseases. This is because vitamin D deficiency was found in 70% of patients undergoing coronary angiography.
The impact of vitamin D deficiency can happen to anyone and cannot be underestimated. Therefore, meet your daily vitamin D needs by getting enough sun exposure and eating foods rich in vitamin D. If you want or are on a certain diet, consult your doctor to make sure you are not deficient in vitamin D.
