The woman's bones became extremely fragile, leading to a fracture of her ribs just by turning in bed
A 48-year-old woman in China was so scared of sunburn and tanning that she began to avoid sunlight for years—causing severe osteoporosis - a bone disease that develops when bone mineral density and bone mass decrease. According to a news item published in the South China Morning Post, the woman’s habit of wearing too much protective clothing and excessively using sunscreen since childhood resulted in extremely low vitamin D levels.
And so, her bones became extremely fragile, leading to a fracture of her ribs just by turning in bed. Doctors say the woman’s bones became so weak that even slight movements could lead to breakage.
Dr. Long Shugan, who treated her, said the woman's extreme sun avoidance began in her childhood, driven by China's beauty standards that prioritise fair skin and glow. After her hospital admission, tests showed critically low vitamin D levels, which had hastened bone resorption and caused severe osteoporosis.
What happens when your vitamin D levels go low?
- Vitamin D deficiency means you do not have enough vitamin D in your body, which leads to major issues with your bones and muscles. Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that your body uses for normal bone development and maintenance. Vitamins also play an important role in maintaining your nervous system, musculoskeletal system, and immune system.
Doctors say low vitamin D levels lead to a range of health issues, especially those affecting bone health and muscle function. A few symptoms include muscle weakness, bone pain, and an increased risk of fractures.
In children, severe deficiency leads to rickets, causing soft bones and deformities. However, in adults, it causes osteomalacia, leading to weak bones and pain. Additionally, low vitamin D levels are also associated with increased risk of certain chronic conditions, which include heart disease and autoimmune disorders.
What causes vitamin D deficiency?
There are two main causes of vitamin D deficiency:
- Not getting enough vitamin D in your diet and/or through sunlight.
- Your body is not properly absorbing or using vitamin D.
A few specific causes of vitamin D deficiency include:
- A few medical conditions
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Weight loss-surgeries
- Certain medications
Several different biological and environmental factors can also put you at a greater risk of developing vitamin D deficiency, such as older age and the amount of melanin in your skin.
How can you prevent vitamin D deficiency?
Doctors say the best way to prevent vitamin D deficiency is to ensure you get enough of this vitamin in your diet or through sun exposure. However, you need to be careful about being in the sun for too long without sunscreen. Doctors say excessive sun exposure puts you at an increased risk for skin cancer as well.
The amount of vitamin D you need each day depends on your age. The average daily recommended amounts are listed below in micrograms (mcg) and International Units (IU).
Infants up to 12 months old
10 mcg (400 IU)
People 1 to 70 years old
15 mcg (600 IU)
Adults 71 years and older
20 mcg (800 IU)
Pregnant and breastfeeding women
15 mcg (600 IU)
