What to know about vitamin D deficiency

Some people have no obvious symptoms. Others may notice generalised weakness, bone discomfort or fatigue, but those complaints have many possible causes and cannot diagnose a deficiency on their own. A clinician decides whether testing is appropriate from symptoms, health history and risk factors.

Vitamin D comes from skin exposure to sunlight, food and supplements. Levels can fall when exposure is limited, dietary intake is low, the gut absorbs poorly, or the liver or kidneys cannot process vitamin D normally. Darker skin, clothing that covers most skin, obesity and some medicines can also influence assessment.

Prolonged deficiency can weaken mineralisation of bone and contribute to muscle weakness. Vitamin D deficiency may present with vague symptoms, so fatigue, joint pain, low mood or frequent infections should not be assumed to come from vitamin D without considering other explanations.

Discuss testing if you have bone or muscle symptoms, limited sun exposure, a condition that affects absorption, kidney or liver disease, or medicines that alter vitamin D metabolism. If deficiency is confirmed, replacement depends on the blood result, medical history, diet and other medicines.

Take only the dose advised and check labels so that multiple products do not duplicate vitamin D or calcium. Food sources include oily fish, egg yolk and fortified foods. Sun exposure must be balanced with skin protection, heat and dehydration risks in the UAE; deliberate sunburn is not a treatment.

Book an assessment for persistent muscle weakness, ongoing bone pain or a suspected stress fracture. Seek prompt care after a fall if you cannot bear weight or a limb looks deformed. If you are taking supplements, urgent assessment is warranted for repeated vomiting, marked thirst, confusion or severe weakness because excessive vitamin D can disturb calcium levels.

Ask whether you need a vitamin D blood test, whether calcium or kidney function should also be checked, and which replacement dose fits your result. Mention digestive conditions, pregnancy, kidney stones and every medicine or supplement you use before starting treatment.