Vitamin D Deficiency in Adults: Symptoms, Treatments, and Related Health Conditions

Written by Megan N. Freeland, PharmD, RPh | Reviewed by Mandy Armitage, MD

You need vitamin D for strong, healthy bones, but that’s not all it’s good for. Research shows that having too little vitamin D, also known as vitamin D deficiency, is related to a host of conditions — from heart disease to dementia.

What is vitamin D deficiency?

Vitamin D deficiency is when the level of vitamin D in the body falls below what the body needs to stay healthy. Your vitamin D level can be determined with a blood test. 

If you’re not getting or absorbing enough vitamin D, it can affect your health. That’s because vitamin D is important for strong bones, muscles, and immune system. 

How does vitamin D deficiency affect the body?

Vitamin D deficiency leads to hypocalcemia (low calcium levels). That’s because vitamin D plays a role in regulating calcium levels. Hypocalcemia then triggers hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands), as your parathyroid glands attempt to normalize the calcium level. These glands do this by activating the cells that break down bone to release calcium. Over time, this weakens and thins the bones.

In addition to weaker bones, vitamin D deficiency can lead to other health problems. (More on this below.) In most adults, low vitamin D doesn’t cause any symptoms. But, if it’s severe or chronic, it can cause vague symptoms, like fatigue and pain. In young children, vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets, a painful condition that causes bone deformities and dental problems.

How much vitamin D do you need?

The amount of vitamin D that you need every day depends on your age and, in some cases, other factors. The chart below details how much daily vitamin D you should be getting based on your age, according to the U.S. Food and Nutrition Board.

Which conditions and diseases are linked to vitamin D deficiency?

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