Vitamin D Deficiency
What Does It Mean?
Vitamin D Deficiency occurs when the body does not have sufficient levels of vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin crucial for calcium absorption, immune function, and bone health. Low levels can lead to impaired bone mineralization, immune dysregulation, and increased risk for chronic diseases.
How Did We Get There?
Root Causes:
- Lack of Sun Exposure – Insufficient UVB light reduces natural vitamin D synthesis.
- Poor Dietary Intake – Low consumption of vitamin D-rich foods such as fatty fish, dairy, and fortified products.
- Malabsorption Disorders – Conditions like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and leaky gut syndrome impair absorption.
- Obesity – Excess fat storage can reduce the bioavailability of vitamin D.
- Liver or Kidney Dysfunction – Impaired conversion of vitamin D to its active form.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Fatigue and muscle weakness
- Bone pain and increased fracture risk (osteomalacia, osteoporosis)
- Frequent infections and immune dysfunction
- Depression and mood disturbances
- Hair loss
Lab Test Findings
| Lab Test Name | Expected Change | Optimal Range |
| Alkaline Phosphatase | Increased | 45.00-100.00 IU/L |
| Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy | Decreased | 50.00-90.00 pg/mL |
| Vitamin D 25-OH, D2 | Decreased | 45.00-65.00 ng/mL |
| Vitamin D 25-OH, D3 | Decreased | 45.00-65.00 ng/mL |
| Vitamin D 25-OH, Total | Decreased | 45.00-65.00 ng/mL |
How Do We Treat It?
Functional Medicine Approach:
Correcting vitamin D deficiency involves increasing dietary intake, optimizing absorption, and ensuring adequate sun exposure.
Supplement Protocol
| Supplement | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| Vita-D | Supports immune function, bone health, and calcium metabolism | 1 capsule with food, daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Sunlight Exposure: Aim for 15-30 minutes of direct sun exposure daily.
- Dietary Support: Increase intake of vitamin D-rich foods (fatty fish, eggs, dairy, fortified foods).
- Gut Health Optimization: Improve digestion and absorption with probiotics and gut-healing nutrients.
- Monitor Liver & Kidney Function: Ensure proper vitamin D metabolism and activation.