Watch out for these frequently ignored symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency

Nowadays, people can access almost everything they need from the comfort of their homes. This causes an increase in the cases of vitamin D deficiency since people rarely go out and get exposed to the healthy rays of the sun. People also develop this condition as a result of old age, low calcium intake, and obesity.

Vitamin D, commonly known as “sunshine vitamin,” is naturally produced by the body upon exposure to sunlight. Fortunately, people who can’t go out to get their daily sun exposure can also acquire vitamin D from foods and supplements. It is important to get sufficient amounts of vitamin D because it supports and maintains different body functions. Getting enough of this vitamin also lowers the risk of developing certain health conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, heart disease, flu, and depression. Vitamin D also promotes weight loss.

Vitamin D deficiency is a rising problem across the world, with more than one billion individuals suffering from this condition. Unfortunately, people suffering from it don’t always get the proper treatment since they fail to recognize is a vitamin D deficiency. When the body does not get enough vitamin D, it exhibits different symptoms that you should be on the lookout for, such as:

• Weak joints — Many people are familiar with the importance of calcium in building bones, but the role of vitamin D in this process is less known. These two nutrients work closely to protect the bones, so it is necessary to get sufficient levels of both for optimal bone health. For calcium to be absorbed by the body, it needs vitamin D, or this mineral will only go to waste. Because of this relationship, people suffering from vitamin D deficiency often have weak bones and experience pain in their joints and back.
• Fatigue and tiredness — Studies have shown that people suffering from fatigue have low levels of vitamin D in their blood. Moreover, supplementing the necessary vitamins allowed people to bounce back to their normal state.
• Muscle pain — People suffering from vitamin D deficiency also experience chronic muscle pain. Although the association between this has not been established, one hypothesis suggests that this is due to the presence of vitamin D receptors in the nerve cells that sense pain.
• Falling sick — One of the most important roles of vitamin D in the body is maintaining a healthy immune system. People with insufficient levels of this vitamin are therefore more susceptible to diseases like colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
• Hair loss — Diseases characterized by hair loss, such as alopecia areata and rickets, are associated with low levels of vitamin D.
• Depression — Many patients with depression have been found to have low vitamin D levels. Insufficient amounts of this vitamin also increase the risk of depression. Researchers believe that vitamin D is involved in different brain functions. This was determined based on the presence of vitamin D receptors in the brain region associated with depression. (Related: Vitamin D deficiency linked to depression! How to get more vitamin D naturally.)
• Stomach problems — Some people with vitamin D deficiency do not have the ability to absorb this essential nutrient. Because of this, they are at risk of developing conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn’s disease.

Knowing the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency is important, but it doesn’t stop there. Once you have identified this condition, it is important to take the necessary steps to increase your vitamin D levels. By being proactive in treating vitamin D deficiency, you can significantly improve your health.

Sources include:

AskDrShah.com

Healthline.com 1

Healthline.com 2

VitaminDCouncil.org

EndocrineWeb.com