Expert share the seven warning symptoms that show you need more of a key vitamin

04 November 2023 , 07:34

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Getting enough vitamin D is essential for health (stock image) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Experts have warned that people in the UK need to brush up on the signs of vitamin D deficiency and have compiled a list of the seven most prevalent symptoms to be aware of.

In a recent study, wellness experts at Simply Supplements found vitamin D deficiency is more common than we might think, affecting as many as one in three individuals in the UK. And as the temperatures drop and days grow shorter, it is difficult to get enough vitamin D naturally due to reduced exposure to the sun. People lacking this essential nutrient should consider supplements because vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and contributes to the healthy function of bones, muscles, teeth and the immune system.

People can become deficient in vitamin D due to a lack of sunlight (Getty Images)

Although some foods, such as oily fish, red meat, and egg yolks contain this vitamin, it can often be tough to get enough from diet alone. So the experts recommend taking a 10-microgram dose of vitamin D every day. Poor vitamin D levels can contribute to a range of health issues, making it essential to be aware of the symptoms associated with its deficiency.

The most common first signs to look out for are fatigue, muscle weakness, bone pain and frequent illnesses. Other symptoms include hair loss, impaired wound healing and changes in appetite.

A severe lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children, and bone pain caused by osteomalacia in adults. Some risk factors for vitamin D deficiency include working indoors or at night, following a vegan or vegetarian diet, having darker skin, being overweight and ageing.

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Wellness expert Samantha Greener, from Simply Supplements, said: “Due to reduced sunlight exposure and shorter days during autumn and winter, many Brits may be at risk of vitamin D deficiency. Many people are unknowingly deficient in this essential nutrient because some of the symptoms can be easily overlooked or attributed to a busy lifestyle, potentially masking underlying, more significant health concerns."

She added: “Vitamin D supplements are cost-effective, widely available over the counter, and are generally safe when taken as recommended.” And Samantha revealed seven vitamin D deficiency symptoms, beginning with fatigue, where feeling unusually tired or lethargic can be an early sign of a vitamin D deficiency. Lack of vitamin D is often overlooked as a potential cause of fatigue, however, it can significantly reduce your energy levels and cause sleep problems.

If you find yourself with bone and lower back pain, it could be down to a lack of vitamin D, as it is closely linked to calcium absorption and its deficiency can weaken bones. This can result in bone pain, especially in weight-bearing bones such as the spine. That’s why the lower back area is particularly susceptible to pain and discomfort.

Aching muscles? This vitamin is essential for muscles functioning efficiently as it plays an important role in regulating contraction and relaxation, ensuring muscles operate at peak and without unnecessary strain. Additionally, a deficiency in vitamin D is closely linked to increased inflammation, contributing to muscle pain and aches.

If you are often ill it could also be from a lack of vitamin D. The nutrient is crucial for supporting the immune system and helping your body ward off illnesses. People with low vitamin D levels are more likely to catch colds, infections and the flu.

Finding cuts and other wounds are taking longer than you'd expect heal can also signify a problem with vitamin D as it helps your body repair and regenerate tissue. If a wound stays around for too long, then it may suggest your vitamin D levels are too low. Having hair loss can also be a sign of insufficient vitamin D levels. This is due to inadequate vitamin D disrupting the normal function of keratinocytes, which disturbs the natural hair growth cycle.

Neil Shaw