Vitamin D deficiency is a common issue that can cause problems with bones and muscles. The following are some of the causes of low vitamin D:

• Lack of exposure to sunlight: Vitamin D is produced by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. People who dont get enough sunlight, such as those who are homebound, live in northern latitudes, or wear long robes or head coverings for religious reasons, are at risk of vitamin D deficiency.

• Dietary factors: Vitamin D is found in certain foods, such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified milk and cereal. If you dont get enough vitamin D in your diet, you may be at risk of deficiency.

• Malabsorption issues: Certain medical conditions, such as Crohns disease, cystic fibrosis, and celiac disease, can affect the bodys ability to absorb vitamin D from food.

• Kidney or liver issues: If you have kidney or liver disease, your body may not be able to convert vitamin D to its active form, which can lead to deficiency.

• Medications: Certain medications, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs, anti-seizure drugs, and weight-loss drugs, can interfere with the bodys ability to absorb or convert vitamin D.

• Obesity: Vitamin D is extracted from the blood by fat cells, so people with a body mass index of 30 or higher may be at risk of deficiency.

• Other health conditions: Inflammatory bowel disease, cystic fibrosis, and certain types of cancer can also put you at risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can include fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, and depression, among others. If you are concerned about your vitamin D levels, talk to your healthcare provider. They can order a blood test to measure your vitamin D levels and recommend appropriate treatment if necessary.