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Vitamin D 8.1 ng/ml means : causes, sources, risks, treatment

Vitamin D 8.1 ng/ml means : causes, sources, risks, treatment

In this article we discuss what a Vitamin D value of 8.1 ng/ml means, what are its causes and how to calculate your Vitamin D deficiency risk score, and how to improve your Vitamin D as well as a treatment plan and possible risks.
Updated Date : 2023-08-31T14:56:15.567+00:00

What does a Vitamin D level of 8.1 mean?

A vitamin d level of 8.1 is considered to be deficient.

What is my Vitamin D level in SI units, for value of 8.1 in standard units?

In order to convert the value of Vitamin D from ng/ml into the SI Units, we must use a formula of conversion : Vitamin D in SI units (nmol/L) = Vitamin D in ng/ml*2.4961 Based on the given formula, the value of Vitamin D in SI units for a value in ng/ml of 8.1 is 20.2 nmol/L

Is a Vitamin D value of 8.1 considered low or high?

Based on your Vitamin D value of 8.1. you are classified as having a severe Vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D Levels

Category Level (ng/mL) Description
Severe Deficiency < 10 Severely low vitamin D levels **You are here**
Moderate Deficiency 10 - 20 Moderate Vitamin D Deficiency
Insufficiency 20 - 30 Mild to Insufficient
Healthy 30 - 80 Normal Vitamin D Levels
Toxicity > 80 Potentially harmful vitamin D levels

What are the sources of Vitamin D?

FoodHow it helps with Vitamin D
TroutTrout can provide Vitamin D, particularly when caught in the wild.
Canned salmonCanned salmon, especially with bones, provides a convenient source of Vitamin D.
TofuSome tofu products are fortified with Vitamin D, especially those made from soy milk.
Beef liverOrgan meats like beef liver contain Vitamin D, though levels can vary.
MackerelMackerel is a fatty fish with high Vitamin D content.
Egg yolksEgg yolks contain small amounts of Vitamin D, especially if the hens are raised on Vitamin D-enriched feed.
Cod liver oilA rich source of Vitamin D, often available as a dietary supplement.
Almond milkSome almond milk products are fortified with Vitamin D.
LambLamb meat contains small amounts of Vitamin D.
CheeseCertain types of cheese, like Swiss and cheddar, contain small amounts of Vitamin D.

What are the causes of Vitamin D deficiency?

CauseDescription
Malabsorption disordersConditions like celiac disease can affect the body's ability to absorb Vitamin D from the digestive tract.
Limited outdoor activitiesA sedentary lifestyle with minimal outdoor time can result in reduced sunlight exposure.
OsteoporosisVitamin D is essential for bone health, and deficiency can contribute to conditions like osteoporosis.
Certain types of cancerSome cancers and their treatments can impact Vitamin D levels and metabolism.
Crohn's diseaseAn inflammatory bowel disease that can lead to malabsorption and nutrient deficiencies.
AlcoholismExcessive alcohol consumption can affect nutrient absorption and metabolism, including Vitamin D.
Cystic fibrosisIndividuals with cystic fibrosis are at a higher risk of Vitamin D deficiency due to malabsorption.
Certain autoimmune diseasesAutoimmune disorders may interfere with Vitamin D metabolism and utilization.
Being homebound or institutionalizedLimited exposure to sunlight due to confinement indoors can lead to deficiency.
Dark skinHigher melanin levels in dark skin reduce the skin's ability to produce Vitamin D from sunlight.

What symptoms will I experience with a Vitamin D of 8.1 ng/ml?

The symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency in children and adults are manifested by rickets and osteomalacia respectively. These conditions may show a variety of symptoms ranging from mild muscle pain, and bone pain to developmental abnormalities and fractures. For a Vitamin D level of 8.1 the symptoms are enlisted in the table below:

Vitamin D level 8.1 Symptoms in Children

SymptomDescription
Delayed GrowthChildren with rickets may experience slowed growth and development compared to their peers.
Brittle NailsRickets can cause nails to become brittle and prone to breaking.
Delayed HealingFractures and other injuries may take longer to heal in children with rickets.
Delayed PubertyIn severe cases, rickets can delay the onset of puberty due to its impact on bone and overall development.
Wide FontanellesThe soft spots on a baby's skull, known as fontanelles, might take longer to close in cases of rickets.
Curvature of the SpineRickets can contribute to spinal deformities, such as scoliosis or kyphosis (excessive forward curvature of the upper spine).
Delayed TeethingChildren with rickets might experience delays in the eruption of their teeth.
Enlarged JointsSwelling and tenderness in the joints can occur as a result of rickets.
IrritabilityChildren with rickets might exhibit increased irritability and discomfort due to the physical pain they experience.
Bone PainChildren with rickets often complain of bone pain, which can be especially pronounced in the legs, pelvis, and spine.

Vitamin D level 8.1 Symptoms in Adults

SymptomDescription
Bone TendernessBones affected by osteomalacia can become tender to the touch.
Short StatureIn childhood cases, untreated osteomalacia can result in short stature and growth delays.
DepressionChronic pain and physical limitations in osteomalacia can contribute to feelings of depression.
Easy BruisingWeakened bones and blood vessels can lead to easy bruising in individuals with osteomalacia.
Muscle CrampsDeficiencies in bone mineralization and electrolytes can lead to muscle cramps and spasms.
Bone DeformitiesOsteomalacia can lead to bone deformities, such as bowed legs or a curvature of the spine.
Tingling or NumbnessNerve-related symptoms such as tingling or numbness can occur as a result of osteomalacia.
Dental ProblemsOsteomalacia can affect the teeth, leading to enamel defects and other dental issues.
Waddling GaitA waddling gait may develop due to weakened hip and leg muscles associated with osteomalacia.
Delayed HealingFractures and injuries may take longer to heal due to impaired bone mineralization in osteomalacia.

What additional risks do I face with a Vitamin D level of 8.1?

LevelRisk
Your value is Less Than 25Increased risk of fallsBischoff-Ferrari
Your value is Less Than 1040% more risk of mortality compared to those with vitamin d above 40Ginde AA
Your value is Less Than 15Two fold higher risk of having high blood pressure as those with Vitamin D above 26Reis JP
Your value is Less Than 21Increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, obesity and high triglyceride levelsMartins D

What is my Vitamin D deficiency score and how to calculate it?

Since your value of Vitamin D 8.1 is below the normal limit of 30, you must evaluate the following 4 factors that may be contributing to your deficiency. Based on a study done by Garg et al the following Vitamin D Insufficiency and Deficiency Score can predict and determine your causes of deficiency.

As per the study 4 major factors are invovled in Vitamin D deficiency.

Factors and Descriptions

Factor Description
Physical Activity Engaging in regular physical activity can contribute to improved metabolism and Vitamin D levels.
Obesity Obesity, indicated by a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m² or higher, can lead to Vitamin D deficiencies
Diet Dietary intake of at least 100 Grams (gms) of milk/dairy products OR at least 100 gms fish or 1 egg with yolk for four or more days in the last seven days was considered Adequate
Daily Sun Exposure Daily exposure to sunlight is important for the body's synthesis of Vitamin D. Spending at least 1.75 hours in the sun each day can help maintain Vitamin D levels, which is essential for bone health and immune function.
  • Insufficiency Score for Vitamin D : 8.1

  • You get less than 1.75 hours of sunlight per day
  • AND
  • Insufficient Dietary Intake
  • AND
  • Obesity
  • AND
  • Insufficient Exercise
  • Score : Your Vitamin D Insufficiency Score ranges between 14 - 18.

What is the treatment plan for a Vitamin D level of 8.1?

Vitamin D supplmentation is the only way to correct for deficiencies. The tables below list the dosages of Vitamin D supplements recommeded for different age groups, depending on the level of the Vitamin D. Since your value of Vitamin D is 8.1 the relevant supplement dosages are indicated below.Pawel Pludowski

Recommended Daily Dosing for Vitamin D in cases where the Vitamin D Level is < 10 ng/dl

Age Group Vitamin D Intake Per Day Duration
Infants < 1 month 1000 IU/d 3 months
Infants 1–12 months 2000 IU/d 3 months
Children 1–11 yrs. 4667 IU/d**(Represents a value in the range of 3000 - 6000, must be adjusted as per patient.) 3 months
Children 11–18 yrs. 6000 IU/d 3 months
Adults 6000 IU/d 3 months
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