7 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D, also known as the “Sunshine Vitamin”, is produced when your skin is exposed to the sunlight, and it triggers Vitamin D synthesis. It is essential for strong bones because it raises the efficacy of the absorption of Calcium in your body- they work hand in hand together. Imagine the downside of your bones molecular structure if there is a lack of Vitamin D – It becomes brittle and thinner over time. 

As much as we know on the importance of Vitamin D, you need to understand what goes on underneath the skin if you’re faced with a lack of Vitamin D. Today, Tropika Club will take you on this journey to understand more about the signs and symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency. 

No Time to Read? Here’s a Snappy Summary of This Article

• Fatigue and Weakness: Vitamin D deficiency can cause fatigue and weakness, leading to a lack of energy and decreased physical performance.
• Bone and Back Pain: Inadequate levels of vitamin D can result in bone and back pain, as the vitamin plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health and supporting proper muscle function.
• Impaired Wound Healing: Vitamin D deficiency may hinder the healing process of wounds, leading to delayed recovery and increased risk of infection.
• Depressed Mood: Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to symptoms of depression and a higher risk of developing mood disorders.
• Hair Loss: Deficiency in vitamin D can contribute to hair loss or thinning, as the vitamin is essential for maintaining healthy hair follicles.
• Frequent Illness and Infections: Insufficient vitamin D levels can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections, such as colds and respiratory tract infections.

The Cause of Vitamin D deficiency 

Simply put, Vitamin D deficiency does not occur for no reason. According to an article, these are the common causes of Vitamin D deficiency. 

• Insufficient Vitamin D in your diet. 
• Lack of absorption of Vitamin D from food. 
• Not enough sunlight exposure. 
• Liver or kidneys could not convert Vitamin D to its active form in the body. 
• Medications that interfere with the ability to convert or absorb Vitamin D. 

Vitamin D can be obtained in 3 ways- through your skin, diet and supplements intake.  

“DING DONG”!- The daily notification of your body. 

Vitamin D plays a vital role in our day-to-day lives, and people facing with deficiency in this Vitamin is very common. According to a study based on this article, 41.6% of adults in the US are deficient. This number goes up to 69.2% in Hispanics and 82.1% in African-Americans. Let us explore further on the common causes of Vitamin D deficiency. 

7 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency 

• Darker skin tone– people with darker skin tone face an increased risk of Vitamin D deficiency due to the melanin count underneath the skin. This decreases the skin ability to absorb Vitamin D from direct sunlight compared to people with fairer skin tone. 

• Getting sick often- one of the key functions of Vitamin D is to build up the immune system against the fight for viruses and bacteria that cause illness. If you are someone who’s facing with constant colds or flu, this might be a sign that you are facing with Vitamin D deficiency.  

• Lactose intolerant– the inability to digest lactose- a sugar found in dairy products. If your stomach feels unwell or if you regurgitate after consuming such food, you might be one of the victims that fall under Vitamin D deficiency. This occurs when the small intestine fails to produce a sufficient amount of lactase, which is the enzyme that breaks down lactose. 

• Slow wounds healing- this may be a sign that your level of Vitamin D is too low as this Vitamin increases the production of compounds that are crucial for forming new skin as part of the wound-healing process. In addition to this, Vitamin D controls inflammation and fight the infection that is crucial for wound-healing. 

• Obesity– Vitamin D is fat-soluble; hence people who are overweight or obese may require more daily Vitamin D to make up for this effect. Increase intake! 

• Age– Our body has a decreased ability to synthesise Vitamin D from sun exposure, as much as 25% over the age of 70. Although this can cause an impact, it doesn’t cause as much of a deficiency as the other risk factors. 

• General fatigue– lack of Vitamin D has always been a potential cause of being overlooked. Vitamin D itself is proven to boost energy from within the cells. It is vital for the efficiency of our muscles work, and muscle fatigue is a common symptom in Vitamin D deficiency. 

Getting enough Vitamin D Is essential in our day-to-day lives as not only does it boost your immune system; it keeps you healthy and fight against diseases and bacteria that cause illness. Unfortunately, people with strict vegan diets are unable to get their natural source of Vitamin D from their regular food. Hence they need to absorb them via plant-based supplements.  

Foods with Vitamins D

These are some of the food that contains Vitamin D- something you may want to look at if you are planning for a dietary meal. Be sure to include them. 

• Definitely dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt. 
• Fish like sardines, salmon and rainbow trout. 
• Calcium-fortified food such as orange juice and soy milk. 
• Egg yolks as most of the fat, minerals and vitamins are in there. 
• Cereal and oatmeal are fortified with Vitamin D. 

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Lastly, the big D-word. 

Spending time under the sun is definitely a more natural way to get your daily dose of Vitamin D, compared to getting it from food or supplements. But more often than not, people are not getting enough due to our daily lifestyle. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that helps your bones grow and stay strong and builds up the immune system to fight against viruses and bacteria.

However, according to studies, too much of Vitamin D can be slightly harmful to your body. Again, Tropika Club always recommends you to check with a healthcare specialist on the amount of intake.  

Always keep your health in check. 

Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency can cause a range of signs and symptoms that you should be aware of. If you’re curious about them, here are seven important ones to keep in mind:

1. Feeling Tired and Weak: When you don’t get enough vitamin D, it can leave you feeling fatigued and lacking energy. You may notice that you’re constantly tired and that even simple tasks require more effort.
2. Experiencing Bone and Back Pain: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining strong bones and supporting muscle function. So, if you’re deficient in vitamin D, you might experience bone and back pain. This can make movements uncomfortable and limit your mobility.
3. Slow Wound Healing: Vitamin D deficiency can also slow down the healing process of wounds. If you notice that your cuts or injuries take longer to heal than usual, it could be a sign of inadequate vitamin D levels.
4. Feeling Down and Depressed: Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to symptoms of depression and a higher risk of mood disorders. So, if you find yourself feeling down or experiencing unexplained mood swings, it’s worth considering your vitamin D levels.
5. Dealing with Hair Loss: Healthy hair requires sufficient levels of vitamin D. If you’re not getting enough, it could contribute to hair loss or thinning. So, if you’re noticing excessive hair shedding or a decrease in hair volume, vitamin D deficiency might be a factor.
6. Frequent Illnesses and Infections: Vitamin D is essential for a strong immune system. When your levels are low, your immune system becomes weaker, making you more susceptible to frequent illnesses and infections, like colds and respiratory tract infections.

Remember that these signs and symptoms can also be caused by other health issues, so it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation if you suspect vitamin D deficiency.

In conclusion, being aware of the signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency is crucial for maintaining good health. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s worth considering your vitamin D levels and seeking medical advice. Remember to take care of your overall well-being and consult with professionals to address any health concerns you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How common is vitamin D deficiency in Singapore?

A: Vitamin D deficiency is relatively common in Singapore due to its geographical location near the equator, where intense sunlight exposure can lead to the risk of sunburn and skin cancer. Additionally, factors such as limited sun exposure, darker skin pigmentation, and lifestyle habits that involve staying indoors may contribute to lower vitamin D levels.

Q: Can I get enough vitamin D from sunlight in Singapore?

A: While sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, it may be challenging to obtain adequate levels solely through sun exposure in Singapore. Factors such as the intensity of the sun, time spent outdoors, use of sunscreen, and clothing choices can affect the amount of vitamin D synthesized by the body. It’s important to strike a balance between safe sun exposure and supplementation or dietary sources of vitamin D.

Q: What are some dietary sources of vitamin D?

A: Good dietary sources of vitamin D include fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, as well as fortified dairy products, eggs, and mushrooms. Incorporating these foods into your diet can help boost your vitamin D intake.

Q: Can vitamin D deficiency be detected through a blood test?

A: Yes, a blood test can measure your vitamin D levels. The most accurate indicator of vitamin D status is the 25-hydroxyvitamin D test (25(OH)D), which measures the circulating levels of vitamin D in the body. If you suspect a deficiency or are experiencing symptoms, consult a healthcare professional who can recommend and interpret the appropriate blood tests.

Q: How long does it take to correct a vitamin D deficiency?

A: The time it takes to correct a vitamin D deficiency varies depending on the severity of the deficiency and individual factors. With proper supplementation or increased sun exposure, it may take several weeks to months to restore optimal vitamin D levels. However, it’s important to follow the guidance of a healthcare professional who can provide personalized recommendations.

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