Vitamin D deficiency: Symptoms, consequences, and prevention

Vitamin D functions as a prohormone essential for various bodily processes, including calcium absorption for bone strength, muscle movement, nerve signaling, and immune system support. It is primarily obtained through sun exposure and limited food sources such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and beef liver.

According to the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition (SEEN), optimal vitamin D levels should remain above 30 nanograms per milliliter. Prolonged deficiency can lead to severe health issues, including rickets in growing children and osteomalacia in adults due to poor bone mineralization. Symptoms of deficiency may include pain in the pelvis, spine, and ribs, as well as chest bone deformities and decreased blood calcium levels.