Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency

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Vitamin D deficiency is becoming more common these days. This is chiefly due to less intake of milk and milk containing products such as eggs, cheese, butter etc. In addition, sunlight plays a very important role in active conversion of vitamin D. According to Dr. Mubina Agboatwalla-A Child Specialist in Karachi People have started living in flats with little or no ventilation, and no sun light. Children do not play outside in the parks. They are busy doing homework, watching TV or playing games on the computer or mobile. Therefore, they are not exposed to sunlight. All these factors contribute to vitamin D deficiency. Children complain of aches and pain in the body, especially leg pain.




Diagnosis is through testing vitamin D levels as well as X-Ray diagnosis.  Treatment is with Vitamin D administration generally in the form of drops. Treatment continues for at least 2 months depending on the severity of deficiency. In addition, exposure to sunlight must be ensured, especially to the rays of sunlight in the morning. This is essential to convert Vitamin D into an active form. Vitamin D containing foods should be given.

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