Top 7 Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D is one of the most essential nutrients that the body needs.
Often referred to as the "sunshine vitamin," the primary natural source of vitamin D is
solar exposure.
Yet research shows that 42% of the US population are vitamin d deficient.
Because low vitamin D levels are affecting so many people across the globe, it's important
to learn the signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.
But symptoms can be subtle and easily missed.
Here are the 7 symptoms of vitamin d deficiency to look out for
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1.
A weak immune system
Feeling tired and run down?
This could mean that your vitamin d levels are low.
Vitamin D is necessary for the proper functioning of your immune system — which is your body's
first line of defense against infection and disease.
In fact, the vitamin is so vital for immune function that low levels of vitamin D have
been associated with increased susceptibility to infection, disease, and immune-related
disorders.
2.
Fatigue
Fatigue, also known as extreme tiredness, can really affect your day-to-day.
It can have many causes, with vitamin d deficiency being one of them.
A 2017 double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial investigated the link between vitamin
d levels and fatigue.
The results showed that vitamin d treatment significantly improved fatigue symptoms.
Therefore supplementing with vitamin d or including vitamin d rich foods in your diet
can improve your energy levels.
3.
Bone loss
Many older people who are diagnosed with bone loss believe they need to take more calcium.
However, they may be deficient in vitamin D as well.
Low bone mineral density is an indication that your bones have lost calcium and other
minerals.
This places older adults, especially women, at an increased risk of fractures.
In a large observational study in more than 1,100 middle-aged menopausal or postmenopausal
women, researchers found a strong link between low vitamin D levels and low bone mineral
density.
4.
Joint pain
Vitamin d affects calcium absorption and therefore plays an important role in maintaining bone
health.
Inadequate levels of this vitamin have been linked to increased joint and muscle pain,
which may be most noticeable in your knees and back.
A review of 81 studies found that people with arthritis, muscle pain, and chronic pain tended
to have lower levels of vitamin D compared with people without these conditions.
So, if you are experiencing aching, throbbing joint pain, this may be a sign that you need
to top up on vitamin d.
5.
Aching muscles
Hand in hand with joint pain.
Vitamin D deficiency has been shown to be a contributor to musculoskeletal pain and
muscle weakness in the elderly.
Muscle weakness also referred to as Sarcopenia, occurs with aging and contributes to poor
muscle function.
6.
Slow healing
Slow healing after surgery or an injury could also be an indicator that you are vitamin
d deficient.
One 2019 systematic review found that vitamin deficiency compromised healing in people who
had dental surgery.
It has also been suggested that vitamin D's role in controlling inflammation and fighting
infection is essential for proper healing.
7.
Depression
Depression can be attributed to many factors, but researchers have linked vitamin deficiency
as a risk factor for depression, especially in older adults.
In one analysis, 65% of the observational studies found a relationship between low blood
levels of vitamin D and depression.
Vitamin d through sun exposure can also have an effect, with sunlight increasing the brain's
release of serotonin, a hormone associated with boosting your mood.
Without enough sun exposure, your serotonin levels can dip.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with a higher risk of major depression with seasonal
pattern disorder.
Adequate consumption of vitamin D holds many potential benefits for the human body.
Yet, there is a common concern regarding vitamin D deficiency among the general population.
Understanding the symptoms of vitamin d deficiency can let you assess your risk and help you
to take steps to increase your intake of this important vitamin.
***
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Now it's your turn.
Do you take vitamin D?
If so, share your experience in the comment section below.