Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency varies substantially by race and ethnicity. A trial dose of approximately 40,000 IU of vitamin D can serve as a diagnostic test: significant pain relief within about one day suggests deficiency as the cause. The article does not conclusively establish whether DNA damage stems from vitamin D deficiency alone. Darker skin requires more sun exposure to produce equivalent vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency triggers broader mineral deficiency. Melanin substantially contributes to racial and ethnic disparities in vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is critical for controlling inflammation and enabling normal musculoskeletal function. So-called growing pains in teenagers are almost entirely caused by vitamin D deficiency rather than growth itself, and resolve promptly with supplementation. Higher latitude and winter conditions compound vitamin D deficiency risk for people with darker skin. Severe vitamin D deficiency in infancy can cause spinal distortion, altered spinal curve, and contribute to scoliosis. Vitamin D deficiency develops when sun exposure is completely blocked.