vitamin d deficiency

Lack of vitamin D: symptoms, causes and impact on the body

THE lack of vitamin D is more common than you might think and can affect people of all ages. Although many people associate this Vitamin just to bone health, its deficiency can impact the body in many ways, causing a range of symptoms physical and emotional problems that compromise quality of life. In this article, you will discover the main symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, to understand why vitamin D is essential for the body and learn how to replenish vitamin D safely and effectively.

Explanatory video about vitamin D deficiency:

What are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency?

THE lack of vitamin D can cause various signs in the body. Some of them are subtle, but others directly affect the well-being. Below we list 7 symptoms of vitamin D deficiency that you can't ignore:

1. Fatigue and constant tiredness

THE vitamin D deficiency affects energy production in the body. People with low vitamin levels report feeling fatigued even after a good night's sleep. This is one of the main symptoms from the lack of this vitamin.

2. Bone and joint pain

A classic symptom is bone pain. vitamin D is essential for bone health, as it helps in the absorption of calcium. Its absence can lead to constant pain, especially in the back and legs.

3. Muscle weakness

THE vitamin D in the body also acts directly on muscle strength. The vitamin D deficiency can cause weakness, tremors and difficulty in performing simple daily tasks.

4. Hair loss

THE hair loss excessive may be another symptom deficiency of this vitamin. Although several factors may be involved, a deficiency of vitamin D in the body is one of the associated causes.

5. Mood swings and depression

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Low levels of vitamin D can interfere with the production of serotonin, which can affect humor. Studies show a relationship between lack of vitamin D and symptoms like anxiety and depression.

6. Frequent infections

THE vitamin D plays an important role in the modulation of the immune system. Its absence increases the risk of respiratory infections and autoimmune diseases.

7. Healing problems

Slow healing can also be a sign of vitamin D deficiency. This happens because this vitamin participates in inflammatory processes and cell regeneration.

Why is vitamin D important for the body?

THE vitamin D is essential for the proper functioning of the body. It it is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts in bone health, immune system, mental health and hormonal balance. Without adequate levels of vitamin D, the organism may present health problems in the short and long term.

Furthermore, vitamin D can be beneficial in preventing diseases caused by lack of this substance, such as rickets and osteomalacia. She also can be obtained through food, sun exposure and supplementation.

👉 Vitamin D is essential for the proper functioning of the body. In our dietary supplement guide, you will find other vitamins that work together to keep your health up to date.

What are the risks of vitamin D deficiency?

THE vitamin D deficiency compromises various functions of the body. In the long run, the lack of vitamin D can cause:

  • Rickets (in children)
  • Osteomalacia and osteoporosis (in adults)
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Cancer risk increased

Those risks and symptoms are connected to the basses 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, the circulating form of the vitamin in the blood, measured in vitamin D test.

What are the factors that cause deficiency?

THE vitamin D deficiency is caused mainly by lack of sun exposure. But other factors also contribute:

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  • Lack of sun exposure (excessive use of sunscreen or indoor living)
  • Diet low in foods rich in vitamin D
  • Diseases that affect fat absorption (such as Crohn's or celiac disease)
  • Obesity, which alters the vitamin D metabolism

Furthermore, the vitamin D deficiency It is more common in the elderly, people with dark skin, and postmenopausal women.

How to diagnose vitamin D deficiency?

Diagnosis is made by means of a blood test called 25-hydroxyvitamin D, which evaluates the blood levels of vitamin D. Values below 50 nmol/L indicate possible vitamin D deficiency.

This exam is essential to detect the lack of vitamin D in the organism even before the symptoms of deficiency become evident.

How to replenish vitamin D safely?

THE vitamin supplementation should be done under medical supervision. There are several forms, such as capsules, drops or chewable tablets. vitamin D3, which is the most effective.

The recommended dose varies according to age, vitamin levels and lifestyle. Vitamin D supplementation is especially important for the elderly, pregnant women and people with low sun exposure.

What foods are sources of vitamin D?

Although the vitamin D can be obtained by diet, there are few foods rich in vitamin D. The main ones are:

vitamin-d-foods
  • Fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines)
  • Beef liver
  • Egg yolk
  • Mushrooms exposed to UV light
  • Milk and cereals fortified with vitamin D

These foods help to supplement the levels of this vitamin, but they hardly completely replace the sun exposure and the vitamin supplementation.

What is the role of sun exposure?

THE sun exposure is the main source of vitamin D. About 10 to 30 minutes of sunlight per day, especially between 10 am and 3 pm, is enough to stimulate vitamin D production through the skin.

Even with moderate use of sunscreen, it is still possible to synthesize the vitamin. However, including lack of sun exposure, many people fail to achieve the adequate levels of vitamin D, especially in winter periods or in regions with little sunlight.

What is the treatment for vitamin D deficiency?

THE vitamin deficiency treatment involves a combined approach:

vitamin D
  1. Vitamin D supplementation, as per medical advice
  2. Bigger sun exposure controlled
  3. Inclusion of sources of this vitamin in the diet
  4. Continuous monitoring with blood test

THE treatment of vitamin D deficiency can be done in a few weeks, but follow-up is essential to avoid relapses and ensure good health and quality of life.

Conclusion: What You Need to Remember

  • THE lack of vitamin D can cause a variety of physical and emotional symptoms.
  • You main symptoms include fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, hair loss, frequent infections, mood swings, and slow healing.
  • THE vitamin D is essential for the proper functioning of the body, including the bone, immune and neurological systems.
  • THE vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of serious diseases such as osteoporosis, rickets, autoimmune diseases and even cancer risk.
  • The best way to obtain the vitamin is through sun exposure, balanced diet and supplementation when necessary.
  • Always consult a professional to diagnosis of vitamin deficiency and replenish vitamin D safely.

Now that you know the signs of vitamin deficiency, pay attention to your body and take care of your health with simple but powerful habits!