10 Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus. Prominent vitamin D benefits include supporting the immune system, promoting good bone health, and regulating mood.

What is vitamin D deficiency?

Vitamin D deficiency is a medical condition where the body lacks sufficient vitamin D levels, leading to health issues like muscle weakness and brittle bones. Additionally, when someone has a severe deficiency, they can’t absorb dietary calcium well. That’s why it’s crucial to have adequate vitamin D levels to absorb enough calcium from one’s diet. Here’s a comprehensive table to understand the vitamin D normal range:

Range	Is it sufficient?	Effect on the Body
Above 125 nmol/L (50 ng/mL)	Too high	It might cause other health issues
50 nmol/L (20 ng/mL) or above	Adequate	It is good for bone and overall health.
Below 30 nmol/L (12 ng/mL)	Too low	It might weaken the bones and overall health.

Thus, the vitamin D normal range is 50 nmol/L (20 ng/mL) or above. 

What are the causes of Vitamin D Deficiency? 

Here are some common Vitamin D deficiency causes:

1. Limited sun exposure: When sunlight hits a person’s skin, it converts ultraviolet radiation into vitamin D. So, if someone lives in regions with long winters or limited sunlight or spends most of their time indoors, they may not get enough sunlight to produce adequate vitamin D.

2. Dark skin: Individuals with darker skin have more melanin, which can reduce the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight. They may need more sun exposure to maintain sufficient levels.

3. Dietary intake: One of the reasons for vitamin D deficiency is a low intake of vitamin D-rich food. It’s found in certain foods, such as fatty fish (mackerel, salmon), egg yolks, and fortified products (milk, cereal). If someone’s diet lacks these sources, they may not be getting enough vitamin D from food.

4. Kidney or liver problems: Vitamin D needs to be activated by the liver and kidneys before the body can use it. However, liver or kidney diseases can hinder this conversion process, leading to vitamin D deficiency.

5. Medications: Some medications, including certain anticonvulsants, glucocorticoids, weight loss drugs, and antifungals, can interfere with vitamin D metabolism and absorption.

What are Vitamin D Deficiency Diseases? 

 Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to or aggravate various health conditions and diseases. Here are some of the diseases caused by deficiency of vitamin D:

1. Diabetes 
2. Heart disease 
3. Infections 
4. High blood pressure 
5. Immune system disorders 
6. Cancer 
7. Multiple sclerosis 

What are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency?

A vitamin D deficiency can cause various health issues. Therefore, it’s important to identify the symptoms for early treatment. Here are some signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency:

1. Fatigue 

When a person is deficient in vitamin D, the body may struggle to efficiently convert food into energy, leading to a constant feeling of tiredness and fatigue.

2. Bone and Muscle Pain

Vitamin D facilitates calcium absorption, an essential element required for strong bones and muscles. Without sufficient vitamin D, one’s body can’t absorb calcium effectively, leading to aches and pains in the bones and muscles.

3. Frequent Illness 

Adequate vitamin D levels are necessary for a person’s immune system to work properly. So, when they lack vitamin D, their immune response may weaken, making them more susceptible to infections and illnesses.

4. Depression or Feelings of Sadness

A low vitamin D level may affect the production of serotonin, which is associated with mood regulation. This can contribute to feelings of sadness or depression.

5. Hair Thinning

Vitamin D helps maintain healthy hair follicles. A deficiency can result in hair thinning or loss.

6. Impaired Wound Healing

Vitamin D is involved in skin health and collagen production, critical for wound healing. Low vitamin D levels can slow the healing process of cuts, bruises, or surgical incisions.

7. Muscle Weakness

Another symptom of vitamin D deficiency is muscle weakness. It makes it difficult to perform day-to-day tasks or engage in physical activities without feeling tired quickly. 

8. Bone Health Issues

Vitamin D deficiency weakens bones by decreasing calcium absorption. Over time, this can lead to conditions like osteoporosis, characterised by brittle and fragile bones that are more prone to fractures.

9. Sleep Disorder

Vitamin D deficiency can cause sleep disorders. It can result in sleep difficulties, shorter sleep duration, and nocturnal awakenings in adults and children.

10. Digestive Problems

Digestive tract problems can cause inadequate absorption of vitamin D. For example, chronic gas, constipation, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome can be due to vitamin D deficiencies.

Recognising the signs of vitamin D deficiency and addressing its causes are essential to maintaining good health. If a person is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned for vitamin D deficiency, they must consider taking a vitamin D test after consulting their doctor.

FAQs

1. What food is highest in vitamin D?

Top sources of vitamin D include oily fish like salmon and mackerel, along with egg yolks, red meat, and liver. It’s also fortified in foods such as cereals, plant milks, and some spreads. 

2. How do you feel when your vitamin D is low? 

Fatigue, exhaustion, pain in bones, muscle weakness, and mood changes are a few symptoms of low vitamin D.