Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall health. It is primarily obtained through exposure to sunlight but can also be acquired from certain foods and supplements. However, many people around the world are deficient in this vital vitamin. In this article, we will discuss nine common signs that may indicate you're not getting enough vitamin D. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and guidance.
A quick vitamin D primer
You walk in the sunshine every day
(wearing your SPF, of course). You eat right. You get enough sleep. But
you still may be missing something even if you’re doing all the right
things—vitamin D. Though rare, severely low levels of vitamin D can
cause rickets in children and osteomalacia (softening of the bones) in
adults. Left untreated, these conditions can lead to bone pain, and
thin, brittle, or misshapen bones, according to the National Institutes
of Health. But recent research has suggested a connection between even
moderately low levels of vitamin D and a number of surprising health
conditions, including diabetes, osteoarthritis, and cancer. There are a
number of sneaky signs that can point to a vitamin D deficiency, so if
you’re suffering from any of them, talk with your healthcare provider,
who will likely recommend a blood test. This is really the only way to
accurately determine your vitamin D level. Then you can discuss ways to
boost them, usually by taking an over-the-counter supplement.
You’re tired all the time
If you aren’t getting enough vitamin D, you may feel completely exhausted, even if you get plenty of sleep. “There is mounting evidence that vitamin D deficiencies are associated with fatigue and sleep disorders,” says Catherine G. R. Jackson, PhD, a professor of kinesiology and exercise science at California State University in Fresno. A study in the North American Journal of Medical Sciences found that people who felt tired had low levels of vitamin D, but raising their vitamin D to normal levels significantly reduced feelings of fatigue. Not the problem for you? You may have one of these other 13 medical conditions for feeling tired all the time.
You’re depressed
Having the blues may be linked to an insufficient amount of vitamin D. According to the Vitamin D Council, vitamin D receptors have been found in many parts of the brain, including in areas linked to depression. Results from studies have been mixed—some researchers have found significant improvements in mood after supplementing with D, while others have not—but that could depend on the severity of the depression as well as the vitamin D deficiency. For example, researchers from Columbia University found that taking vitamin D supplements was effective for those who sufferred from clinically significant depression.Your bones hurt
Adults who don’t get enough vitamin D often have aches and pains in their muscles and bones, especially in the winter. Their joints are also a little stiffer in the morning. “Many aches and pains are symptoms of the classic vitamin D deficiency, osteomalacia,” says Sonya Angelone, MS, RDN, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Soft bones are more likely to bow and fracture than ones that are healthy and hard. Here are some other simple ways to boost your bone health.
You’re experiencing erectile dysfunction
If you or your sexual partner is suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED), lack of vitamin D may be to blame. A study in the journal Atherosclorosis found that men with a vitamin D deficiency were much more likely to have ED, and the lower the levels, the higher the risk factor. Some experts suggest that treating a vitamin D deficiency may decrease the risk of ED, says Angelone. So start taking those D supplements (or giving them to your partner), but just don’t make make these common vitamin mistakes that many of us don’t realize we’re making.
You’re prone to stress fractures
“Most
people think of a lack of calcium when talking about bone health, which
is true. However, without vitamin D, calcium doesn’t get absorbed
properly,” says Jennifer Giamo, a nutritionist, certified personal
trainer, and founder of New York City-based Trainers in Transit.
“Vitamin D, specifically D3, which increases calcium absorption, is
critical to preventing bones from becoming thin and brittle.” A study in
The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery found that people who participate
in higher-impact activities may need greater levels of vitamin D to
reduce their risk of stress fractures. In addition to the vitamin D
deficiency symptoms that can put you at risk, make sure you know these
signs of a calcium deficiency.
Your athletic performance could be better
Insufficient
vitamin D may affect your fitness levels and muscle function. “You may
not even realize you’re not performing at your best,” says Paige
Waehner, a certified personal trainer and author of The About.com Guide
to Getting in Shape. Giamo agrees. “Vitamin D deficiency is linked to
increased inflammation. And after intense exercise, the body is
inflamed,” she says. “If adequate amounts of vitamin D are already in
the bloodstream, then the speed of recovery from intense exercise is
increased.” Giamo warns, though, not to take vitamin D supplements if
you aren’t deficient in the nutrient because it’s unlikely you’ll
improve your athletic performance or recovery rate. “Since vitamin D is a
fat-soluble hormone that doesn’t get excreted by the body, it could be
potentially harmful if you take too much,” says Giamo.
You can’t get a good night’s sleep
improved the quality of their z’s—they fell asleep faster and slept longer, according to a study published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience. Of course getting enough shut-eye every night can boost your health, but so can these other vitamin D benefits that could save your life.
