Vitamin D deficiency symptoms - four signs to add supplements to your diet
If you find yourself feeling exhausted, less hungry and experiencing muscle pain or weakness - you may just have a vitamin D deficiency.
The vital vitamin is one of several we need in our bodies need to maintain good health. Without it, we may experience a host of unpleasant symptoms - from fatigue and muscle weakness to bone pain and mood changes - but not everyone will display clear signs of a vitamin D deficiency, making it all the more important to undergo regular checks.
Vitamin D plays an important role in regulating our calcium levels - and in building and maintaining bones. It's also important for blood clotting, boosting the immune system and muscle growth.
A vitamin D deficiency is a common global issue affecting around 1 billion people worldwide. It causes issues with your bones and muscles and most commonly affects people over the age of 65, and those who have darker skin. Here is all you need to know about a vitamin D deficiency, as well as how to prevent and treat it.
Sources of Vitamin D
You can get vitamin D through:
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Sun exposure on your skin (although those with darker skin and older people may not get enough through sunlight)
The food you eat
Nutritional supplements
Withoutenough vitamin D, we may experience a host of unpleasant symptoms (Getty Images)What is vitamin D deficiency?
A vitamin D deficiency means you have less than the required amount of vitamin D in your body to maintain good health and normal bone development. It is usually diagnosed through a blood test, which can measure your levels of vitamin D.
Anyone can have vitamin D deficiency, including infants, children and adults. But it may be more common in older people, those with darker skin and anyone who wears clothing with extensive skin coverage.
Symptoms and Causes
Signs of vitamin D deficiency in adults may not be obvious, but the main ones include fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness and mood changes, like depression.
The full list of symptoms is as follows:
Fatigue
Bone pain
Muscle weakness, muscle aches or muscle cramps
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Mood changes, like depression
Poor sleep
Loss of apetite
Hair loss
Pale skin
Certain medical conditions
Weight loss-surgeries
Certain medications or medical conditions
Severe lack of vitamin D in children can cause rickets
However, you may have no signs or symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, which could be flagged in a routine blood test.
How is a vitamin D deficiency treated?
The aim of treating and preventing vitamin D deficiency is the same: to reach and then keep a healthy level of vitamin D in your body. Some patients may consider eating more foods that have vitamin D and getting more sunlight, but your doctor will probably suggest taking vitamin D supplements.
Vitamin D comes in two types: D2 and D3. D2 (ergocalciferol) comes from plants. D3 (cholecalciferol) comes from animals. You need a prescription to get D2. But, you can buy D3 over the counter. Your body absorbs D3 easier than D2.
It’s important to talk with your doctor to find out if you need a vitamin supplement and how much to take. According to the NHS, government advice suggests taking a daily vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter. From late March/early April until the end of September, most people should be able to make all the vitamin D needed from sunlight alone.
During the autumn and winter, adults and children from the age of 1 should consider taking a 10 microgram supplement of vitamin D a day. This includes pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people at risk of vitamin D deficiency.
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