What Causes A Vitamin D Deficiency?

Smoking

Smoking causes oxidative stress and reduces the body's ability to absorb vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D. When vitamin D levels are reduced, the body is less able to absorb calcium from the intestines, and this increases the risk of osteoporosis, low bone mass, and bone fractures. Patients who smoke will need to take a vitamin D supplement, and the most effective way to improve vitamin D levels is to quit smoking. Primary care doctors can provide advice and resources for smoking cessation. Patients might want to join a local or online support group, and the use of nicotine gum or patches may be helpful. Individuals who are concerned about their vitamin D levels should ask their doctor about having these measured, and they may also need to have a bone density scan to evaluate their overall bone health and their risk of osteoporosis. Prescription medicines are available for those who struggle to quit smoking with over-the-counter aids. Patients may wish to have their vitamin D levels retested after they quit smoking to see if they need to use prescription or over-the-counter vitamin D supplements.

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Liver Disease

Vitamin D is metabolized in the liver, and issues with this organ can negatively impact vitamin D levels. Patients with a type of liver disease known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are at an increased risk of experiencing a vitamin D deficiency. In fact, a 2013 study found that individuals with this condition have a twenty-six percent increase in the likelihood of developing a deficiency in vitamin D compared to those without the disease. Patients with parenchymal liver disease are unable to convert vitamin D into the active form known as 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and this renders it unusable. Cholestatic liver disease, a condition that reduces the flow of bile from the liver to the intestines, could also contribute to low vitamin D. Patients with liver issues may need to have regular blood tests to monitor their vitamin D levels, and they should follow any treatment recommendations closely.