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Symptoms of Vit D deficiency

Posted , 5 users are following.

anthony57342
anthony57342

Hi there.

I've recently had blood test results that show <20 nmol vitamin D, very low. B12, folate, liver function etc... all returned normal.

I am young, active and have a reasonable diet. I'm yet to discuss the results with my doctor but I assume I'll be tested for underlying causes because it's certainly not my lifestyle.

The main question though, apart from the symptoms of deficiency I've read about, fatigue, aches, anxiety and depression etc... I've had recurring nausea, some days worse than others, that gets bad enough that I need to lie down no matter where I am. I also lose co-ordination, become dizzy and clumsy, and my brain fogs up. This has been going on for perhaps five years and is at its worst now.

Can this be explained by the low Vit D? I can't find anywhere listing it as a symptom.

By the way, I shattered my heelbone seven weeks ago moving furniture. It really shouldn't have broken considering what I was doing. So I guess I must have been deficient long enough for my bones to soften significantly.

Thanks guys.

1 like, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • EileenH
    EileenH anthony57342

    Posted

    Diet makes next to no difference to vit D levels - it is in few foods and it is unlikely anyone gets more than about 10% of their requirement through food, unless they eat large amounts of oily fish (more than 8oz every day for example) and liver. Most of it comes from the action of sunlight on skin - but in the UK only from May to September between the hours of about 11am and 3pm. So at this time of year you are at your lowest level anyway. Using Factor 8 sunscreen reduces the amount of vit D produced by over 90% - and even having a slight tan is equivalent to Factor 12 - even less gets made. It is very easy to become deficient whatever your diet! 

    I think it is more likely your doctor will want to try replenishing your vit D first to see if that cures the problems - you can have a very low vit D and not be ill, my husband was found to have a level of 7 and he felt fine!!

    However - did he check your calcium level? One cause of your symptoms and low vit D is hyperparathyroidism:

    https://patient.info/health/hyperparathyroidism-leaflet

    Google "hypopara UK" to get the UK patient organisation and even better info. There is also a US parent association of the same name.

    It may not be - but equally it could be. And in view of your damaged heel and low vit D - a dexascan would probably be a good idea to look at your bone density.

    Good luck and hope you feel better soon! Do come back and tell us what they decide on.

    • anthony57342
      anthony57342 EileenH

      Posted

      Thanks for your response.

      My calcium and phosphate levels are comfortably within range. So there's still nothing to explain the recurring nausea. I even vomited today, but that's rare.

    • EileenH
      EileenH anthony57342

      Posted

      If you read the second link I think it was, they say that calcium etc may remain in normal range. 

      But I think you need referral to a rheumatologist because some of what you describe is typical of autoimmune disorders in general.

  • Imayneedb12
    Imayneedb12 anthony57342

    Posted

    B12 deficiency can cause depression and many other motor and meurological deficits. You need to bring your vitamins levels up asasp. Also continue your tests. It takes some time to get better. But keep up asking your doctor for advice.
    • EileenH
      EileenH Imayneedb12

      Posted

      "B12, folate, liver function etc... all returned normal"

  • ptolemy
    ptolemy anthony57342

    Posted

    They reckon around twenty five per cent of the UK population are vit D deficient. Probably due to people sitting inside playing with their tablets etc rather than being out in the sun and then smothering themselves in sun cream when they are outside. 
  • dambudzo
    dambudzo anthony57342

    Posted

    please discuss the results with your doctotr and in particular ask about the diszziness, brain fog etc. are you drinking enough fluid? could there be any link with blood sugar? ask also about your pituitary profile - could there be any link there?

    you have a lot of questions. if blood tests come back normal well just ask why you are feeling so bad.

    good luck and hope you and your doctor resolve this soon.

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