Hypovitaminosis is a term for different types of vitamin deficiency, often associated with vitamin D. Poor diet, lack of sunlight, and certain medical conditions can cause it. It can lead to bone and muscle problems. To prevent it, eat a balanced diet, spend time in the sun, and take supplements.
Hypovitaminosis is an umbrella term used to describe different types of vitamin deficiency. It is most often associated with hypovitaminosis D – a vitamin D deficiency in the human body. Hypovitaminosis develops when the system is unable to absorb adequate amounts of vitamins and nutrients, resulting in a number of different medical conditions.
One of the most common causes of hypovitaminosis D is poor diet and poor nutrition. If an individual consumes foods low or lacking in this vitamin, conditions are created for the development of hypovitaminosis. Another major contributing factor is the lack of sunlight. The sun is the primary source of vitamin D in humans, absorbed through the skin, and when you are not sufficiently exposed to healthy sunlight, you can develop hypovitaminosis.
A lack of vitamin D can produce different types of medical problems. One of the most common is impaired bone mineralization, in which the bones don’t grow properly and often become soft. This can lead to bone conditions such as rickets and osteoporosis. Body aches and general muscle weakness are another common byproduct of hypovitaminosis D.
Hypovitaminosis A is most often found in the animal kingdom, predominantly in reptiles and birds. It most commonly affects those animals that rely on seeds for their diet, as seeds generally do not contain an abundance of vitamin A. Animals that consume only meat are also prone to hypovitaminosis A.
A less common type of hypovitaminosis is a vitamin C deficiency. It is usually seen in patients with certain types of cancer or other conditions that inhibit the body’s natural rates of absorption of the vitamin. Vitamin C is prevalent in many foods, especially citrus fruits, and can easily be taken as a supplement to boost an individual’s vitamin C levels.
There are several risk factors that may play a role in the development of hypovitaminosis. Age is a primary concern; as the body matures, its innate ability to process vitamins becomes impaired. Poor diet is another risk factor, as is obesity. In the case of hypovitaminosis D, darker-skinned individuals are thought to be at greater risk than lighter-skinned individuals, as the lighter the pigmentation, the higher the levels of vitamin D that can be absorbed from the sun .
To prevent hypovitaminosis, an individual is advised to take a multivitamin and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Additionally, spending an adequate amount of time in the sun is recommended. Consuming antioxidant-rich foods such as cherries and tomatoes can also help prevent hypovitaminosis.
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