Vitamin D is crucial for calcium metabolism in animals, synthesized in the skin through sunlight exposure. Deficiency can lead to serious health issues. While the provided search result does not specifically address symptoms in horses, it offers valuable insights into vitamin D deficiency in general.
What are the General Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency?
Vitamin D deficiency can arise from limited sun exposure, inadequate dietary intake, impaired absorption due to gastrointestinal issues, metabolic abnormalities, or resistance to vitamin D. This deficiency impairs calcium and phosphate absorption, leading to low serum concentrations of these minerals and elevated parathyroid hormone levels, resulting in poorly calcified bones.
Symptoms in Children
In children, vitamin D deficiency manifests as rickets, a condition characterized by weakened bones.
Symptoms in Adults
In adults, vitamin D deficiency leads to osteomalacia, a condition marked by soft and weakened bones.
What are the Risks of Vitamin D Toxicity?
Excessive vitamin D intake can lead to hypervitaminosis D, where the body stores surplus vitamin D instead of eliminating it through urine, potentially reaching toxic levels. Symptoms of vitamin D poisoning include weakness, fatigue, appetite loss, nausea, and vomiting. In infants and children, it may cause growth failure. High calcium concentrations in the blood (hypercalcemia) can result in calcium phosphate deposition throughout the body, particularly in the kidneys.
How Much Vitamin D is Recommended Daily?
The recommended daily intake of vitamin D varies by age group:
- Children, adolescents, and adults up to 50 years old: 200 IU (5 micrograms)
- People 51 to 70 years old: 400 IU (10 micrograms)
- People over 70 years old: 600 IU (15 micrograms)
What Factors Can Affect Vitamin D Production?
Several factors can affect vitamin D production:
- Limited sunlight exposure, especially in temperate zones during winter.
- Sunlight filtered through glass, clouds, or polluted air.
- Low vitamin D content in breast milk for infants.
- Inadequate consumption of vitamin D-supplemented foods and avoidance of sunlight in older adults.
How Can Vitamin D Deficiency Be Treated?
Treatment for vitamin D toxicity involves discontinuing vitamin D supplementation.
Would you like to learn more about the specific roles of vitamin D in different species or about other vitamins and their effects?