Contents
Chronic Vitamin D Deficiency
Overview
Chronic vitamin D deficiency means your levels stay low for months or years. Vitamin D is essential for absorbing calcium, keeping bones strong and supporting muscles, immunity and mood. Left unchecked, deficiency increases the risk of osteoporosis, fractures, muscle weakness and falls—and may contribute to cardiovascular disease and stroke through blood‑pressure and inflammatory changes.
At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, Aylesbury you can access fast blood testing, consultant‑led advice, tailored supplementation and rehabilitation to rebuild strength and balance with swift diagnostics and consultant‑led care
Why It Matters — Long‑Term Risks
- Fragile bones (osteopenia/osteoporosis) and vertebral or hip fractures
- Bone pain and muscle weakness (osteomalacia) leading to poor mobility and falls
- Delayed fracture healing and dental problems
- Higher rates of respiratory infections and low mood
- Possible links to high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and increased stroke risk through vascular inflammation and poor muscle fitness
- Reduced exercise tolerance and weight gain from inactivity
Symptoms You Might Notice
- Aching bones, especially in the lower back, hips or ribs
- Proximal muscle weakness—struggling to rise from a chair or climb stairs
- Frequent falls or poor balance
- Fatigue, low mood or “winter blues” that persist all year
- Slow‑healing fractures, cracked teeth or recurrent infections
- In severe cases: muscle cramps, tingling around the mouth or seizures (due to low calcium)
Many people feel no obvious symptoms—routine blood tests often reveal the problem.
Who Is Most At Risk?
- People who rarely go outdoors or cover most of their skin for cultural or medical reasons
- Darker skin tones (Black African, Caribbean, South Asian heritage) needing more sunlight to make vitamin D
- Older adults, especially in care settings
- Individuals with obesity, malabsorption (coeliac, IBD, bariatric surgery) or chronic kidney/liver disease
- Long‑term steroid, anticonvulsant or HIV medication users
- Vegans or those with very restricted diets lacking fortified foods
- Anyone with recurrent falls, fractures or diagnosed osteoporosis
When To Seek Medical Advice
Call 01296 678 800 if you:
- Have persistent bone pain, muscle weakness or repeated falls
- Recently sustained a low‑impact fracture (e.g., from standing height)
- Have conditions affecting gut, liver or kidney function
- Want to check your levels before pregnancy, surgery or intensive training
- Already take high‑dose supplements and need safe monitoring
Seek urgent help if you develop severe muscle cramps, spasms or confusion—these could signal dangerously low calcium.
How We Diagnose And Monitor Deficiency
- Consultant Medical Review – detailed history, medication check and fracture/fall risk assessment.
- Rapid Laboratory Testing – 25‑hydroxyvitamin D, calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone and kidney profile via our Blood‑Testing Service, with results typically back in 24 hours.
- Cardio‑Metabolic Screening – blood pressure, lipids and glucose; referral to our Cardiology Department when indicated.
- Imaging When Needed – CT for fractures or other issues in our CT Suite ; DEXA scanning arranged with trusted partners if bone‑density measurement is required.
- Regular Follow‑Up – repeat bloods after loading doses (usually at 3 months) and annually once stable.
Treatment And Ongoing Support
- Evidence‑Based Supplementation – loading and maintenance regimens (e.g., colecalciferol) tailored to your levels and absorption.
- Calcium Intake Review – dietetic advice to meet needs without excessive supplements via our Dietetic Team.
- Strength & Balance Rehabilitation – physiotherapy programmes through our Rehabilitation Service to cut fall and fracture risk.
- Lifestyle Coaching – safe sunlight exposure guidance, weight management, smoking cessation and sleep hygiene.
- Medication Optimisation – review of drugs that deplete vitamin D or bone density (steroids, PPIs, anticonvulsants).
- Bone‑Health Protection – discussion of bisphosphonates or other osteoporosis treatments if scans or fractures warrant them.
Why Choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?
- Appointments usually available within one week
- Fast, co‑located blood testing and imaging for quick answers
- Consultant‑delivered clinics; no junior‑doctor hand‑offs
- Integrated cardiology, dietetics, physiotherapy and rehabilitation under one roof
- Flexible clinics and virtual follow‑ups available
- Private ensuite rooms, free parking and easy access from Oxford, Milton Keynes and London
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Just Buy Over‑The‑Counter Vitamin D?
Mild deficiency may be corrected with shop‑bought doses, but persistent or severe deficiency needs blood tests and a structured loading plan to avoid under‑ or over‑treatment.
How Long Until I Feel Better?
Bone pain and weakness often start to improve within 4–6 weeks of adequate dosing, but full replenishment and fracture‑risk reduction take several months.
Can I Get Too Much Vitamin D?
Yes—excess causes high calcium, kidney stones and confusion. That’s why monitored dosing and follow‑up bloods are important.
Rebuild Strength And Protect Your Bones
Call 01296 678 800 or enquire online to arrange your vitamin D assessment and personalised treatment plan.
23 July 2025