Introduction
Vitamin D is called the “sunshine vitamin” because it is produced when our skin comes in contact with the sun. Vitamin D strengthens the bones in our body, improves mental health and digestion.
Still, vitamin D deficiency is common around the world, even though people do not realize it.
If you are feeling weakness, irritability, fatigue, then you may also be deficient in vitamin D. Here are 14 signs of vitamin D deficiency that you should never ignore.
Table of Contents
14 Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency
1. Fatigue and Tiredness
If you feel tired even after getting enough sleep, then the reason for this could be a deficiency of vitamin D. Vitamin D can cause chronic fatigue
2. Frequent Illness or Infections
Vitamin D deficiency reduces your immunity. If you frequently have cold and cough or get sick frequently, it is possible that your body has low levels of vitamin D. This is one of the early symptoms of deficiency.
3. Bone and Back Pain
Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium, which keeps bones strong. Its deficiency weakens your bones and can cause bone pain, especially back pain and pain in the legs. Its deficiency for a long time can also cause serious illness.
4. Depression or Mood Swings
Many people experience symptoms of depression or mood swings due to vitamin D deficiency. This is because vitamin D affects the production of serotonin – the “happy hormone” – in the brain.
5. Hair Loss
Vitamin D deficiency can cause hair thinning or hair fall. There are many other reasons for hair fall but Vitamin D deficiency can also be one of the reasons.
6. Slow Wound Healing
Vitamin D deficiency could be postponing the healing process if your surgical wounds, cuts, or bruises require more time to heal.
7. Muscle Pain or Weakness
Muscle pain or cramps. If this is felt more often, especially after physical activity, then it may be due to vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency affects the functioning of the nervous system, causing pain and impaired muscle function.
8. Bone Loss and Fractures
Bone density decreases in older people. Vitamin D deficiency can make this even more problematic, increasing the risk of fractures when falling. The process can be accelerated, especially in the hips and wrists.
9. Weight Gain
Though the exact reason is unknown, several studies relate low vitamin D levels to obesity and weight increase.
10. Digestive Issues
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, so if you suffer from Crohn’s, celiac disease, or IBS, you may not be able to absorb enough vitamin D, putting you at risk for vitamin D deficiency.
11. High Blood Pressure
People with high blood pressure often have vitamin D deficiency. This can affect the hormones that regulate blood flow and pressure in the arteries, putting you at a higher risk for heart disease.
12. Sweaty Head
An unusual but medically recognized early sign of vitamin D deficiency is a sweaty scalp — especially in infants. In adults, unexplained head sweating might be a subtle warning to check your vitamin D levels.
13. Impaired Wound Healing After Surgery
Studies show people with low vitamin D levels are at greater risk of complications after surgery, such as infections and slow healing. This is especially true in dental or orthopedic surgeries.
14. Low Immunity During Winter
Have you ever wondered why you feel bad during the winter season? It’s not just because of the flu – less sunlight leads to less vitamin D production in the skin, which weakens your immune system.
What Causes Vitamin D Deficiency?
There are many reasons why you may be vitamin D deficient:
• Lack of sun exposure (especially in winter or if you regularly go outside without using sunscreen)
• A diet low in vitamin D, especially if you are vegetarian or lactose intolerant
• Kidney or liver problems that affect vitamin D formation
• Aging, as older adults naturally produce less vitamin D
How to Prevent or Treat Vitamin D Deficiency
If you suspect you’re deficient, here’s what you can do:
1. Get more sun exposure
Spend at least 3 to 4 days of sun exposure per week
2. Eat foods rich in vitamin D
Include the following in your diet:
• fortified dairy products
• sun-dried mushrooms
3. Take supplements
A daily vitamin D supplement (cholecalciferol) is often needed during the winter or for people at high risk to normalize vitamin D levels.
4. Get tested
A simple blood test can determine your vitamin D levels. The normal range is usually between 30-100 ng/mL
5. Increase Good gut bacteria in gut for better nutrient absorption.
Final Thoughts
Vitamin D deficiency is more common than you think — and it often goes unnoticed until symptoms become severe. By recognizing the 14 signs of vitamin D deficiency, you can take timely way to naturally ameliorate your health and energy situations. Whether it’s a small change in diet, spending further time outside or taking a supplement, getting your vitamin D situations right can have a huge impact on your overall health. Do not ignore the warning signs your body is always trying to talk to you.
FAQ
And add vitamin D supplements as per your doctor’s advice, this will increase your vitamin D level rapidly.
