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Vitamin D 6.5 ng/ml means : causes, sources, risks, treatment

In this article we discuss what a Vitamin D value of 6.5 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. Vitamin D 6.5 ng/ml means : causes, sources, risks, treatment

What does a Vitamin D level of 6.5 mean?

A vitamin d level of 6.5 is considered to be deficient.

What is my Vitamin D level in SI units, for value of 6.5 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 6.5 is 16.2 nmol/L

Is a Vitamin D value of 6.5 considered low or high?

Based on your Vitamin D value of 6.5. 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
CheeseCertain types of cheese, like Swiss and cheddar, contain small amounts of Vitamin D.
Almond milkSome almond milk products are fortified with Vitamin D.
Sunlight exposureThe skin produces Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, specifically UVB rays.
Canned salmonCanned salmon, especially with bones, provides a convenient source of Vitamin D.
Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna)Fatty fish are excellent sources of Vitamin D, particularly wild-caught species.
LambLamb meat contains small amounts of Vitamin D.
PorkPork contains Vitamin D, particularly when sourced from pasture-raised animals.
TroutTrout can provide Vitamin D, particularly when caught in the wild.
Beef liverOrgan meats like beef liver contain Vitamin D, though levels can vary.
ShrimpShrimp contain some Vitamin D, especially when consumed in larger quantities.

What are the causes of Vitamin D deficiency?

CauseDescription
Gastric bypass surgerySurgical procedures that alter the digestive system can limit the absorption of nutrients, including Vitamin D.
Living in high latitudesAt higher latitudes, the angle of sunlight is lower, leading to reduced Vitamin D synthesis in the skin.
ObesityVitamin D is stored in fat tissues, so higher body fat levels may decrease its availability.
Certain types of cancerSome cancers and their treatments can impact Vitamin D levels and metabolism.
Dark skinHigher melanin levels in dark skin reduce the skin's ability to produce Vitamin D from sunlight.
Malabsorption disordersConditions like celiac disease can affect the body's ability to absorb Vitamin D from the digestive tract.
Premature birthPremature infants may have underdeveloped systems for producing and utilizing Vitamin D.
Celiac diseaseAn autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestine and impairs nutrient absorption.
Limited outdoor activitiesA sedentary lifestyle with minimal outdoor time can result in reduced sunlight exposure.
Use of sunscreenSunscreen blocks UV rays that are needed for Vitamin D production when exposed to sunlight.

What symptoms will I experience with a Vitamin D of 6.5 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 6.5 the symptoms are enlisted in the table below:

Vitamin D level 6.5 Symptoms in Children

SymptomDescription
Delayed HealingFractures and other injuries may take longer to heal in children with rickets.
Delayed TeethingChildren with rickets might experience delays in the eruption of their teeth.
IrritabilityChildren with rickets might exhibit increased irritability and discomfort due to the physical pain they experience.
Delayed WalkingSome children with rickets may experience delays in achieving developmental milestones, like walking.
Curvature of the SpineRickets can contribute to spinal deformities, such as scoliosis or kyphosis (excessive forward curvature of the upper spine).
Delayed GrowthChildren with rickets may experience slowed growth and development compared to their peers.
Bone DeformitiesRickets can lead to bone deformities, such as bowed legs or knock-knees, due to weakened bones unable to support the body's weight properly.
Enlarged JointsSwelling and tenderness in the joints can occur as a result of rickets.
Wide FontanellesThe soft spots on a baby's skull, known as fontanelles, might take longer to close in cases of rickets.
Vision ProblemsRickets can affect the eyes, leading to problems such as night blindness and other visual disturbances.

Vitamin D level 6.5 Symptoms in Adults

SymptomDescription
Weight LossSome individuals with osteomalacia may experience weight loss due to the overall impact on health.
Bone TendernessBones affected by osteomalacia can become tender to the touch.
Dental ProblemsOsteomalacia can affect the teeth, leading to enamel defects and other dental issues.
Difficulty WalkingMuscle and bone weakness can make walking and moving difficult for individuals with osteomalacia.
FatigueGeneralized fatigue and weakness are common symptoms of osteomalacia.
Difficulty StandingWeak bones and muscles can make it challenging to stand for prolonged periods.
Bone PainOsteomalacia often leads to bone pain, particularly in the hips, lower back, and legs.
Short StatureIn childhood cases, untreated osteomalacia can result in short stature and growth delays.
Bone DeformitiesOsteomalacia can lead to bone deformities, such as bowed legs or a curvature of the spine.
Muscle WeaknessMuscle weakness can result from the lack of proper mineralization in the bones caused by osteomalacia.

What additional risks do I face with a Vitamin D level of 6.5?

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 8More risk of cardiovascular mortality than those with a median vitamin d of 28Dobnig H
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 6.5 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 : 6.5

  • 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 6.5?

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 6.5 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. 3920 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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