

This bypass can cause a deficiency.Ī 2019 review suggests that pregnant people deficient in vitamin D may have a greater risk of developing preeclampsia and giving birth preterm. People following a gastric bypass: This surgery bypasses a part of the upper intestine that absorbs large amounts of vitamin D.People with obesity: High levels of body fat can limit the body’s ability to absorb vitamin D from the skin.Conditions that limit fat absorption can decrease vitamin D intake from the diet. Those with conditions that limit fat absorption: Vitamin D is fat-soluble, meaning intake is dependent on the gut absorbing dietary fats.Older adults may also spend more time indoors. Older adults: The skin’s ability to synthesize vitamin D decreases with age.


They believe there may be a link between long-term vitamin D deficiency and the development of autoimmune conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis, but more research is necessary to confirm the link.

Researchers suggest that vitamin D plays an important role in immune function. Immune functionĪn adequate intake of vitamin D may support good immune function and reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases. Long-term vitamin D deficiency can also present as osteoporosis. Osteomalacia results in poor bone density and muscular weakness. Similarly, in adults, vitamin D deficiency manifests as osteomalacia or a softening of the bones. Vitamin D deficiency in children can cause rickets, leading to a bowlegged appearance due to the softening of the bones. Vitamin D promotes intestinal calcium absorption and helps maintain adequate blood levels of calcium and phosphorus, which is necessary for healthy bone mineralization. Vitamin D plays a critical role in many bodily functions. Share on Pinterest Mateo Arias/EyeEm/Getty Images
