Not a fall, not an accident, a Chinese woman suffered from a surprising fracture while turning over in her bed in her sleep. While this may seem shocking at first, it was revealed that the 48-year-old woman had shunned sun exposure since her childhood, which had led to the development of severe osteoporosis.Afraid of getting tanned, the woman from Chengdu, in southwestern China’s Sichuan province, avoided short sleeves and always applied sunscreen while stepping out. However, her extreme sun avoidance landed her in soup after it became clear that she developed severe osteoporosis due to crucially low Vitamin D levels.Long Shuang, an attending doctor in the emergency department at XinDu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, told the outlet that the woman had avoided sun exposure since childhood, rarely wore short sleeves outdoors, and applied sunscreen while stepping out. Tests done upon her hospital admission disclosed the severe vitamin D deficiency, which had accelerated bone resorption, causing severe osteoporosis.
Why sunlight is important for bone health
Calcium is important for healthy bones and Vitamin D lays an important role in its efficient absorption. Without sunlight Vitamin D won’t be synthesized well which could compromise absorption of calcium as well.When our skin is exposed to sunlight, the natural process of vitamin D production starts. Just a few minutes of sunshine everyday can help sort this process.
When we avoid the sun for prolonged periods, it can wreak havoc on our bone health. Vitamin D, also nicknamed ‘sunshine vitamin’ doesn’t just boost bone health, it also supports our immune system, keeps muscles functioning, and helps prevent brittle bones. Long-term sun avoidance, whether due to sedentary lifestyle or a fear of tanning, can eventually lead to serious consequences like fragile bones, recurring illness, and overall fatigue.Many women are going to extreme measures to shield themselves from the sun by wearing wide-brimmed visors, sun-protection gloves, cooling face masks, and lightweight UV-resistant hoodies. While this can provide protection against the harsh UV rays and reduce risk of skin cancer, going overboard can lead to critical Vitamin D deficiency, like this woman experienced.
Signs of critical Vitamin D deficiency
Severe osteoporosis
Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, crucial for maintaining bone density. A deficiency can result in decreased calcium absorption, leading to osteoporosis, a condition characterized by brittle and fragile bones. This increases the risk of fractures, even with minimal trauma. In severe cases, individuals may experience fractures from everyday activities, such as rolling over in bed.
Osteomalacia
In adults, prolonged vitamin D deficiency can cause osteomalacia, leading to bone pain and muscle weakness. This condition results from impaired bone mineralization, making bones soft and more susceptible to deformities and fractures.
Depression
Vitamin D plays an important role in brain health. The deficiency of this essential vitamin has been linked to mood disorders, including depression and anxiety. Some studies suggest that low vitamin D levels may affect neurotransmitter function, influencing mood regulation.
Muscle weakness and cramps
Low vitamin D levels can lead to muscle weakness, cramps, and aches. This is due to impaired calcium metabolism affecting muscle function. In severe cases, individuals may have difficulty climbing stairs or rising from a seated position.
Fatigue
Persistent fatigue and a general sense of tiredness can be symptoms of vitamin D deficiency. While these symptoms are non-specific, studies have found correlations between low vitamin D levels and increased fatigue.
Dental problems
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to dental problems, including tooth decay and gum disease. This is due to its role in calcium absorption and bone health, which are vital for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Hair loss
While hair loss can result from various factors, vitamin D deficiency has been associated with alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition characterized by severe hair loss.