Why vitamin D matters
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and keep bones strong. Very low levels can cause bone pain, muscle weakness and a soft-bone condition called osteomalacia.
Who is at risk?
- People who get little sun, especially in northern cities like Chicago
- People with darker skin
- People with obesity
- People with gut conditions such as celiac disease or after weight loss surgery
- Older adults
Treatment
Treatment is usually vitamin D3 by mouth. The dose depends on how low your level is and your health. More is not always better. Very high doses can raise calcium too much. We also check calcium and parathyroid hormone when needed, because high parathyroid levels can be a separate problem.