Our body gets vitamin D from sunlight or diet. An insufficient amount of this vitamin creates a deficiency in the body which is a root cause of several diseases. Osteoporosis, loss of bone density, and broken bones are common issues due to vitamin D deficiency. Popularly known as the sunshine vitamin, our body produces it when the cholesterol on the skin gets exposed to sunlight.
Vitamin D is getting all the attention these days because of its potential benefits in the health industry. Moreover, it is also necessary for the overall functioning of the body. A few food items contain vitamin D in reasonable amounts. Still, getting sufficient vitamin D from your diet is not possible. It results in nutritional deficiency and further leads to illnesses. You can learn about vitamin D deficiency, its symptoms, and treatments here.
Importance Of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is responsible for several processes in the body, like bone health and immunity. Studies show that vitamin D may help prevent cancer. It can also protect us from chronic diseases like depression, type 2 diabetes, and heart-related disorders.
But, over one billion people across the globe suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Remember that this deficiency may take months or years to surface before you notice it. In some cases, there are no symptoms that indicate the existence of a vitamin D deficiency.
Symptoms Of Vitamin D
Here are some common symptoms that usually demonstrate the lack of vitamin D in the body:
1. Infections
If you get sick a lot and cold and flu are quite common, this may be because of vitamin D deficiency. Many studies demonstrate a connection between vitamin D inadequacy and respiratory tract infections.
Cold, bronchitis, and pneumonia are some examples of such infections. Research shows that consuming 4,000 IU of vitamin D on a daily basis may reduce such illnesses. Vitamin D can directly interact with the cells in the body that are responsible for dealing with infections.
2. Fatigue
While there may be several reasons for fatigue, vitamin D deficiency can contribute. We often pay more attention to insomnia and depression, but fatigue slips our minds. A study of 480 adults suggests that vitamin D links with fatigue.
Another study on children shows that poor sleep quality and delayed bedtimes cause vitamin D deficiency. More studies confirm the relation between fatigue and vitamin D deficiency. Consuming supplements rich in vitamin D may reduce the severity of fatigue in individuals. However, more research is essential to make conclusions on this matter.
3. Bone Pain
Insufficient vitamin D levels may be the reason for lower back pain and bone pain. It helps retain bone health by increasing our absorption of calcium.
A study of 98 adults revealed that the poorer the vitamin D levels, the more severe the pain in the lower back was. However, the results were inconsistent across other studies.
People with muscle pain, arthritis, and chronic pain too have low levels of vitamin D. To make any judgment, more studies are necessary.
4. Slow Wound Healing
If you had surgery or an injury and the wound is taking way too long to heal, it may be because of a lack of vitamin D in your body.
A test tube study implies that this vitamin can enhance the production of compounds vital for forming new skin.
Also, in the conclusion of four studies, it was noticeable how vitamin D deficiency hindered the process of healing in people who had dental surgery. This vitamin plays a significant role in controlling inflammation.
In a 12-week experiment involving 60 people with foot ulcers and diabetes, people who took vitamin D supplements saw rapid improvements in healing.
5. Bone Loss
Vitamin D plays a vital role in calcium absorption as well as increasing bone metabolism. Also, the absorption of calcium and vitamin D increases when taken together. Low bone density means they do not have any minerals or calcium left.
Older adults are at a greater risk of fractures because of low bone mineral density. Research on vitamin D supplements gives varied results. It did not do any good to fractures but indeed reduced muscle pain. No matter what the case is, it is better to take vitamin D for overall benefits.
6. Hair Loss
Stress is the most common issue for hair loss. Apart from this, nutritional deficiencies too can be the reason behind this. Hair loss is associated with vitamin D deficiency, especially in women. More research is vital to prove this factor.
Some studies also connect low vitamin D levels with alopecia areata. This disease is a result of severe hair loss in individuals. Another research stated that the higher the vitamin D levels in the body, the less hair fall is likely to occur.
7. Weight Gain
Research-based on adults indicates that vitamin D deficiency may increase weight or belly fat. Effects of obesity due to this deficiency were more visible in men. Studies are yet to confirm whether supplements of vitamin D can reduce the issue or not.
8. Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety is another issue that arises with a lack of vitamin D. Calcidiol, a form of this vitamin, directly connects with anxiety disorders. More studies are still integral for confirming this factor.
Depression is yet another condition that may be related to low vitamin D levels. More research is necessary to understand the correlation between vitamin D deficiency and depression.
9. Muscle Pain
Vitamin D deficiency may be a potential cause of muscle pain. Vitamin D receptors in nerve cells can sense pain. The vitamin may be involved in our bodies’ signaling pathways playing a role in chronic pain.
Studies have shown that a higher dosage of vitamin D may help reduce different types of pain in people.
Take Away
While the symptoms may take years to surface, you can learn about vitamin D deficiency by getting regular health checkups. Sunshine, food items, and supplements are some ways of increasing and maintaining vitamin D levels. Consult a doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms, and get dosage recommendations if you want to take vitamin D supplements.
