by Pamela Kay

Created on: July 31, 2008   Last Updated: June 01, 2009

Vitamin D is responsible for the absorption of calcium, which builds strong teeth and bones. Vitamin D deficiency can be caused by something as simple as where you live, what shift you work, digestive problems and other daily habits. There are also certain diseases, which retard the body's ability to absorb vitamin D.

*Vitamin D Deficiency Due to Lack of Sunlight

Sunlight is one of the best sources of vitamin D. Even on a cloudy day, as little as ten minutes exposure, twice a week will supply enough vitamin D to prevent any deficiencies. This is why people who live in far northern latitudes and don't have a year round exposure to sunlight usually eat diets high in fish oil, which is also an excellent source of vitamin D.

The lack of exposure to sunlight results in less absorption of vitamin D through the skin and leads to health problems. The same is true for those who work a night shift job and sleep during the day. Unless they alter their diets to include foods rich in vitamin D, they will experience a deficiency.

To obtain the recommended daily dose of vitamin D each day from food only would require eating three servings each of the following: herring, oysters, catfish, mackerel or sardines. It would also require consuming generous amounts of butter, egg yolk, lard or bacon fat and 2 teaspoons cod liver oil. All this, to get the 4,000 IU of vitamin D needed to prevent a deficiency, which the sun provides for free.

*Vitamin D Deficiency Due to Diseases

Diseases of the digestive system such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, keep the body from absorbing the vitamin D, as well as other important vitamins and nutrients, by constantly flushing foods through the intestines so quickly. The lack of vitamin D then causes or exacerbates other health problems.

Fat malabsorption, which is associated with a variety of medical conditions including pancreatic enzyme deficiency, Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, surgical removal of part of the stomach or intestines, and some forms of liver disease will also affect the absorption and use of vitamin D by the human body.

*Vitamin D Deficiency Due to Breastfeeding Babies

Women, who feed their babies nothing but breast milk, leave their child open to a deficiency of vitamin D if they are not getting enough sunlight, eating a proper diet or taking a vitamin D supplement.

*Vitamin D Deficiency Due to Steroids and Other Drugs

For anyone taking steroids, there is a risk of reducing calcium absorption and the

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>