Vitamin D is one such vitamin that is required for the development of strong bones. This vitamin is fat soluble and helps the body in absorbing calcium and phosphorus. It also helps in strengthening the immune system and prevent the attack of infections and diseases. Sunlight plays a major role in the synthesis of vitamin D in the skin. So exposure to sunlight is considered essential. Other natural sources of vitamin D are cod liver oil, fish, beef liver and dairy products, etc. It is very essential to maintain the optimal levels of vitamin D in the body since low vitamin D has an adverse effect on the body and also has a few health risks.

Low Vitamin D Causes
So what causes low vitamin D levels? There are a few causes of why there is a deficiency of vitamin D in the body. Some of the causes are listed as under:

* Low vitamin D can be a result of lack of exposure or limited exposure to sunlight
* Inability to store vitamin D in the body
* Insufficient intake of vitamin D from the diet
* Obesity and color of the skin also are some of the causes of low vitamin D
* Overuse of anti inflammatory drugs and steroids which affects the metabolism of vitamin D
* Improper functioning of the kidneys

Low Vitamin D Symptoms
When the body has low vitamin D, it displays some signs which can indicate this vitamin deficiency. The symptoms can be seen in two forms - mild and severe. It is very important to read these symptoms of low vitamin D levels and take appropriate measures to bring back the normal levels and prevent the condition from becoming worse.

* Low vitamin D levels in the body is characterized by symptoms like diarrhea, weight loss, problems in the vision, loss of appetite, insomnia etc. These symptoms usually occur when the deficiency of vitamin D is mild in nature.
* Pain in the muscles, depression, fatigue, generalized body weakness, etc. are some of the symptoms of severe form of low vitamin D.
* The body's immune system also weakens due to insufficient vitamin D. This condition is characterized by the occurrence of various infections and diseases.
* In children, bowed legs and arms, due to the malformation of bones, can be observed.

Side Effects of Low Vitamin D
A decreased level of this essential nutrient can have several side effects on the overall health of an individual. The following low vitamin D side effects can be seen:

* One of the major low vitamin D side effects is brittle bones. The bones are so soft that they tend to break with ease and are more susceptible to fractures.
* Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium, which ensures in the proper formation of bones. But due to insufficient vitamin D, the bones are malformed which can result in rickets in small children and osteomalacia in adults.
* Low vitamin D levels in blood can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
* Low vitamin D and weight gain is also another risk factor caused due to low levels of vitamin D. The body's metabolic rate decreases leading to the accumulation of fat and increasing the body volume.
* Some other effects of deficiency of this vitamin include hypertension, thyroid problems and seasonal affective disorder.

Treating Low Vitamin D
A diet rich in all the important nutrients, especially vitamin D, should be taken to bring back the levels of vitamin D. The doctor may also prescribe certain vitamin supplements to be taken with the diet. Exposing oneself to sunlight and practicing a healthy lifestyle is also important to keep this health condition at bay.