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a lack of vitamin "D" leads to a lack of the absorption of B12, calcium and iron you could experience any or all of the above symptoms.

Research shows that fibromyalgia, a painful and disabling condition, may have a link to vitamin "D" deficiency. MS patients who were given the vitamin supplement have shown dramatic improvement.

While vitamin "D" deficiency is commonly caused by a lack of exposure to the sun, there are many other causes. Many prescription and OTC medications can actually deplete your vitamin content.

Ulcer medications, steroids, corticosteroids like cortisone and hydrocortisone, cholesterol lowering drugs, barbiturates, sleeping pills, mineral-oil-based laxatives can all lead to vitamin "D" deficiency if you don't get enough to counteract them. If you take vitamin supplements, be sure to take them an hour or two apart from medications. It will give your body time to absorb the vitamins better.

Bad diet is another factor. Not eating enough foods rich in vitamin "D" and not taking vitamin supplements, can lead to a deficiency. "D" rich foods include, fortified milk and dairy such as, egg yolk, fortified margarine, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, fish liver oils, salmon, tuna, mackerel, trout, herring, sardines, orange juice, fortified rice, oats, almonds, sesame seeds, beans and legumes, soy, tofu, turnip greens, seaweed, sea cucumbers, Chinese cabbage, okra, mustard, kale, rutabaga, broccoli, oranges, brown sugar or cane sugar, molasses, and blackstrap molasses.

Medical conditions like kidney disease, being lactose intolerant, liver disorders, Crohn's, Franconi's syndrome, Hypocalcemia, Rickets and Osteomalacia can lead to a deficiency of vitamin "D". It can also be hereditary. Rickets can lead to skeletal deformities and Osteomalacia can weaken the muscles and bones.

Since breast milk contains very little vitamin "D", supplements should be given to nursing babies and children. Abnormal bone growth or malformations can occur in children who are deficient in vitamin "D".

Laboratory experiments have shown that vitamin "D" may actually help to prevent certain types of cancer such as colon cancer.

It is necessary to get the RDA, Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamin "D" along with your other nutrients and vitamins. For adults, 2000 to 4000 international units a day, starting with as little as 400 units and working up to the above dosages. During mid-life, up to 4000 units a day is sufficient to maintain your levels; 6000 for seniors, but it's best to spend your daily time in the sun. The sun can actually bring your deficiency up to appropriate levels, rather quickly. Taking over 10,000 units a day is rather risky.

Too much Vitamin "D" can cause nausea, low appetite, constipation, confusion, weakness and weight loss. It can raise the blood levels of calcium which can cause heart rhythm abnormalities and Calcinosis where deposits of calcium and phosphate in the soft tissues in the kidneys, a result of vitamin "D" toxicity. Your doctor can help you to determine how much Vitamin "D" you need or are getting.

If you experience allergic reactions, see your doctor. There's no point in jumping out of the proverbial "frying pan into the fire"..

Learn more about this author, M. L. Kiser.
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