Vitamin D deficiency is surprisingly common as people spend more of their lives indoors and lead increasingly busy and hectic lifestyles. Although our bodies naturally produce this vitamin after sun exposure, lack of outdoor time, pollution, and excessive use of sunscreen mean most people don’t get enough. Calcium absorption, the immune system, and hormones all depend on vitamin D. Without adequate amounts, your body might start to show mild but noticeable signs that should not be ignored.
Dr Nishant Sen, an internal medicine specialist and wellness consultant, tells Moneycontrol: Vitamin D acts as a 'master regulator' for various bodily functions. When your vitamin D levels drop, it slowly affects your bones, energy, mood, and possibly even immunity. The symptoms might seem unrelated initially, but together they indicate a deeper nutritional imbalance.”
If you frequently feel tired, your body aches, or are low on energy, your body may be signaling a need for more vitamin D.
Also read | Battling vitamin D deficiency: Simple steps to soak up sunlight and boost your well-being
8 symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency
1. Constant fatigue and low energy: Chronic fatigue, even after sufficient sleep, is one of the first symptoms.
2. Bone and back pain: Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption; when levels are low, you may experience bone aches or lower back pain.
3. Frequent illnesses: Frequent colds or infections might indicate low vitamin D levels.
4. Mood changes or depression: Low vitamin D can cause mood shifts and seasonal depression due to its connection to serotonin.
5. Slow wound healing: Cuts, bruises, or injuries that take longer to heal are signs that your body lacks the vitamin D needed for tissue repair.
Also read | Diet tips: Add these 7 foods to your daily diet to stop Vitamin D deficiency
6. Hair loss or thinning: Extreme hair loss, especially in women, can be a sign of vitamin D deficiency due to its effect on hair follicles.
7. Muscle weakness or cramps: Lack of vitamin D can lead to muscle aches, cramps, and weakness, particularly in senior citizens.
8. Fragile bones and frequent fractures: Low vitamin D levels over time can lead to brittle bones, or osteoporosis, and increase the risk of fractures.
FAQs on Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency
1. What are the signs of Vitamin D deficiency?
Constant fatigue, low energy, bone pain, frequent illnesses, mood changes, slow wound healing, hair loss, muscle weakness, and fragile bones are common symptoms.
2. How does Vitamin D deficiency affect energy levels?
Vitamin D deficiency can cause chronic fatigue and low energy, even after adequate sleep.
3. Can low Vitamin D levels lead to bone pain?
Yes, low Vitamin D levels hinder calcium absorption, leading to bone and back pain.
4. Is frequent illness a symptom of Vitamin D deficiency?
Low Vitamin D can weaken the immune system, resulting in frequent colds or infections.
5. How does Vitamin D deficiency impact mood?
Insufficient Vitamin D can cause mood changes and depression due to its role in serotonin regulation.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, provides only generic information. Do not treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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