Last Updated on February 23, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta
Vitamin D deficiency is becoming a worldwide phenomenon. In India, the incidence of this deficiency across different population groups varies from 34 to 94%. In this article, we are exploring the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and kidney disease. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a blanket term for kidney health status ranging from minor illness to end-stage renal disease.
What are the signs of vitamin D deficiency?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that maintains optimal blood levels of calcium and phosphate. As a result, it plays a role in bone formation, muscle contraction, and nerve impulse transfer. It also helps in the functioning of immune cells, like white blood cells.
If a person has vitamin D deficiency (less than 20 ng/mL of blood), then they may experience different symptoms:
- Bone deformity
- Muscle weakness
- Bone pain
- History of fractures
- Fatigue
- Muscle twitching
A deficiency of vitamin D can cause rickets in children, osteoporosis (reduction in bone mass) and fractures in adults.
What is the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD), or chronic kidney failure is a disease in which the function of the kidneys deteriorates progressively. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the causes of low vitamin D levels in the body. There are many reasons for CKD-caused vitamin D deficiency. Kidneys convert vitamin D3 into its final, active, and usable form (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D). Since kidney function declines in CKD, the vitamin also reduces. Additionally, vitamin D-binding proteins are expelled through urine during CKD.
There are two sides to a coin. A deficiency of vitamin D causes kidney damage. Many studies indicate that vitamin D deficiency increases the progression of CKD. A recent study shows that vitamin D deficiency in healthy adults can also harm the kidneys by hyperfiltration (excessive filtration rate).
Does vitamin D deficiency cause mineral bone disorder (MBD) in CKD patients?
An important role of vitamin D is to maintain the levels of calcium in the blood. CKD patients are deficient in vitamin D. Therefore, they develop hypocalcemia (a low calcium blood level). The lowered calcium level causes a condition called secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT). In this condition, there is an excessive concentration of parathyroid hormone.
Together, sHPT and low vitamin D worsen CKD into CKD-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD). Parathyroid gland enlargement, mineral deposits in blood vessels, and bone abnormalities are all symptoms of CKD-MBD. As the mineral balance is disturbed, blood vessels get constricted with calcium and phosphate. Thus, CKD-MBD leads to heart problems. CKD-MBD increases the chances of death in kidney disease patients.
Does vitamin D deficiency destroy the kidney tissue?
The story of deficiency of vitamin D and kidney symptoms doesn’t end with hyperfiltration or CKD-MBD. Recent research shows that limited vitamin D produces a metabolite, angiotensin II, in CKD patients. This metabolite increases the retention of water and salts, damages kidney tissue, increases blood pressure, and harms blood vessels. However, in laboratory experiments, vitamin D supplementation arrested the metabolism for forming angiotensin II. This confirms vitamin D deficiency’s role in destroying kidney tissue.
Does vitamin D deficiency cause albuminuria in chronic kidney disease?
One of the symptoms of chronic kidney disease is that protein is released in the urine. This condition is known as albuminuria. Technically, it is defined by the higher-than-normal albumin-creatinine ratio in the urine. Research shows that low levels of vitamin D increase the likelihood of albuminuria. In a clinical study, it was seen that giving CKD patients vitamin D treatment reduced the ratio by 53% in six months.
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
