Vitamin D 27.0 ng/ml means : causes, sources, risks, treatment

In this article we discuss what a Vitamin D value of 27.0 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.

What does a Vitamin D level of 27.0 mean?

A vitamin d level of 27.0 is considered to be deficient.

What is my Vitamin D level in SI units, for value of 27.0 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 27.0 is 67.4 nmol/L

Is a Vitamin D value of 27.0 considered low or high?

Based on your Vitamin D value of 27.0. you are classified as having a mild or insufficient Vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D Levels

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

What are the sources of Vitamin D?

Food	How it helps with Vitamin D
Canned mackerel	Canned mackerel, like fresh mackerel, is a good source of Vitamin D.
Mackerel	Mackerel is a fatty fish with high Vitamin D content.
Cheese	Certain types of cheese, like Swiss and cheddar, contain small amounts of Vitamin D.
Caviar	Fish roe, or caviar, can provide small amounts of Vitamin D.
Bluefin tuna	Bluefin tuna is a fatty fish that contains high levels of Vitamin D.
Shrimp	Shrimp contain some Vitamin D, especially when consumed in larger quantities.
Herring	Herring is a fatty fish that can contribute to Vitamin D intake.
Canned salmon	Canned salmon, especially with bones, provides a convenient source of Vitamin D.
Goat cheese	Goat cheese provides Vitamin D and is a dairy alternative for those who are lactose intolerant.
Fortified cereals	Many cereals are enriched with Vitamin D to improve nutritional content.

What are the causes of Vitamin D deficiency?

Cause	Description
Chronic kidney disease	Kidney dysfunction can disrupt the activation of Vitamin D, leading to deficiency.
Celiac disease	An autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestine and impairs nutrient absorption.
Certain genetic factors	Certain genetic variations can impact how the body processes and uses Vitamin D.
Living in high latitudes	At higher latitudes, the angle of sunlight is lower, leading to reduced Vitamin D synthesis in the skin.
Being homebound or institutionalized	Limited exposure to sunlight due to confinement indoors can lead to deficiency.
Crohn's disease	An inflammatory bowel disease that can lead to malabsorption and nutrient deficiencies.
Malabsorption disorders	Conditions like celiac disease can affect the body's ability to absorb Vitamin D from the digestive tract.
Use of sunscreen	Sunscreen blocks UV rays that are needed for Vitamin D production when exposed to sunlight.
Limited sunlight exposure	Insufficient exposure to sunlight, which is necessary for the skin to produce Vitamin D.
Liver diseases	Liver disorders can affect the conversion of Vitamin D into its active form.

What symptoms will I experience with a Vitamin D of 27.0 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 27.0 the symptoms are enlisted in the table below:

Vitamin D level 27.0 Symptoms in Children

Symptom	Description
Fractures	Due to weakened bones, children with rickets are more prone to fractures even with minor injuries.
Muscle Weakness	Muscle weakness can result from compromised bone health and nutritional deficiencies associated with rickets.
Brittle Nails	Rickets can cause nails to become brittle and prone to breaking.
Bone Deformities	Rickets can lead to bone deformities, such as bowed legs or knock-knees, due to weakened bones unable to support the body's weight properly.
Curvature of the Spine	Rickets can contribute to spinal deformities, such as scoliosis or kyphosis (excessive forward curvature of the upper spine).
Vision Problems	Rickets can affect the eyes, leading to problems such as night blindness and other visual disturbances.
Weak or Soft Bones	Rickets can cause bones to become weak and soft, leading to an increased risk of fractures.
Muscle Cramps	Vitamin D deficiency associated with rickets can lead to muscle cramps and spasms.
Difficulty Breathing	In severe cases, rickets can cause deformities of the ribcage, leading to difficulty in breathing and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.
Wide Fontanelles	The soft spots on a baby's skull, known as fontanelles, might take longer to close in cases of rickets.

Vitamin D level 27.0 Symptoms in Adults

Symptom	Description
Difficulty Walking	Muscle and bone weakness can make walking and moving difficult for individuals with osteomalacia.
Joint Pain	Osteomalacia-related muscle and bone weakness can result in joint pain and discomfort.
Tingling or Numbness	Nerve-related symptoms such as tingling or numbness can occur as a result of osteomalacia.
Chest Deformities	In severe cases, osteomalacia can lead to deformities in the ribs and chest.
Short Stature	In childhood cases, untreated osteomalacia can result in short stature and growth delays.
Weight Loss	Some individuals with osteomalacia may experience weight loss due to the overall impact on health.
Difficulty Climbing Stairs	Muscle weakness and bone pain can make climbing stairs difficult for those with osteomalacia.
Dental Problems	Osteomalacia can affect the teeth, leading to enamel defects and other dental issues.
Waddling Gait	A waddling gait may develop due to weakened hip and leg muscles associated with osteomalacia.
Bone Pain	Osteomalacia often leads to bone pain, particularly in the hips, lower back, and legs.

What additional risks do I face with a Vitamin D level of 27.0?

Level	Risk

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

Since your value of Vitamin D 27.0 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 : 27.0

• You get less than 1.75 hours of sunlight per day
• OR
• Insufficient Physical Activity + Insufficient Dietary Intake + Obesity
• Score : Your Vitamin D Insufficiency Score ranges between 9 and 13.

What is the treatment plan for a Vitamin D level of 27.0?

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 27.0 the relevant supplement dosages are indicated below.^{Pawel Pludowski}

Recommended Daily Dosing for Vitamin D in cases where the Vitamin D Level is between 10 ng/dl and upto 30 ng/dl

A first line of treatment involves increasing the dosage to 1.5-2 x the current level of supplements if the patient is taking any supplements.

If you are not taking any supplements, the values in the table below are to be followed.

Age Group	Vitamin D Intake Per Day	Duration
Infants < 1 month	1000 IU/d	2 months
Infants 1–12 months	1000 IU/d	2 months
Children 1–11 yrs.	1801 IU/d **(Represents a value in the range of 1000 - 2000, must be adjusted as per patient.)	2 months
Children 11–18 yrs.	2283 IU/d **(Represents a value in the range of 2000 - 4000, must be adjusted as per patient.)	2 months
Adults	4000 IU/d	2 months

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