Clinical correlates involving deficiency of vitamin D and calcium

Abstract

The effects of vitamin D and calcium deficiency are evident in several patients suffering from various diseases including osteoporosis and rickets. Other hormones such as glucocorticoids also play a role in bone homeostasis leading to bone growth promotion or retardation. Consequently, hormone imbalances in patients should be considered with suspected vitamin D and calcium deficiency. The deficiency of vitamin D and calcium lead to non-bone related abnormalities for instance promotion of prostate cancer and retardation of blood clotting, respectively. However, this study will be focusing on the detrimental effects of osteoporosis and rickets on patients. Vitamin D and calcium deficiency may be prevented by adequate sun exposure as well as diet supplementation. Vitamin D and calcium deficiency result in lack of intracellular mechanisms, loss of bone matrix and density hence, weaker bones. This leads to an increased probability of bone fractures.