Vitamin D deficiency

Background

• AKA: Hypovitaminosis D
• Vitamin D
  • Lipid soluble
  • Acts as a hormone to:
    • Stimulate intestinal calcium absorption
    • Maintain adequate phosphate levels for bone development
    • Regulate cell growth proliferation and apoptosis
    • Modulate the immune system
• Deficiency leads to impaired bone mineralization and disease such as:
  • Rickets in children
  • Osteomalacia and Osteoporosis in adults

Etiology

• Inadequate intake
• Inadequate sunlight exposure
• Disorders limiting vitamin D absorption
• Conditions preventing vitamin D conversion into active metabolites (i.e. Renal Failure)