A recent study has revealed vitamin D deficiency is more common than we might think, affecting as many as one in three individuals in the UK. As the temperatures drop and days grow shorter, it’s difficult to get enough vitamin D naturally due to reduced sun exposure.
Although some foods, such as oily fish, red meat, and egg yolks contain this vitamin, it can be challenging to get enough from diet alone. 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.
It’s recommended to take a 10-microgram dose of Vitamin D every day. Inadequate 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 aging. 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. Vitamin D supplements are cost-effective, widely available over the counter, and are generally safe when taken as recommended.”
Here are seven vitamin D deficiency symptoms from the experts at Simply Supplements:
- Fatigue
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.
- Bone and lower back pain
Vitamin D is closely linked to calcium absorption and its deficiency can weaken bones. This can result in bone pain, especially in weight-bearing bones like the spine. That’s why the lower back area is particularly susceptible to pain and discomfort.
- Muscle aches
Vitamin D is essential for optimal muscle function as it plays an important role in regulating muscle contraction and relaxation, ensuring that muscles operate efficiently and without unnecessary strain. Additionally, a deficiency in vitamin D is closely linked to increased inflammation, contributing to muscle pain and aches.
- Frequent illness
Vitamin D 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, so if you’re constantly ill then nutrient deficiency might be a contributing factor.
- Hair loss
Insufficient vitamin D levels can play a role in hair loss. This is because inadequate vitamin D can disrupt the normal function of keratinocytes, disturbing the natural hair growth cycle. This can result in reduced hair growth and increased shedding.
- Impaired wound healing
Vitamin D helps your body repair and regenerate tissue. If you get a wound and it takes longer than usual to heal, then it may suggest that your vitamin D levels are too low.
