D vitamins play a variety of roles in the body, from bone health to heart health to immune function.
Unlike other vitamins, vitamin D acts more like a hormone. Receptors for this hormone are found in many cells in your body.
Sunlight causes your skin to produce vitamin D from cholesterol.
Even fortified dairy products and fatty fish don't give you the amount of vitamin D you need.
Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency
Symptoms of vitamin D insufficiency include the following.
1. Frequent illness or infection.
A key role of vitamin D is to keep your body's immune system in top shape so you can fight disease-causing viruses and bacteria.
It interacts directly with cells in the body that are responsible for fighting infection.
According to some studies, vitamin D deficiency, especially colds and flu, may cause your illness to recur.
2. Lack of sleep and exhaustion
Many things can make you tired, one of which is low vitamin D levels.
Therefore, many do not consider this a possible cause.
Low levels of vitamin D in the blood have been linked to fatigue and many other health problems, including a significant decrease in life satisfaction.
3. Back and Bone Pain
Vitamin D supports bone health in many ways.
First, it improves the body's absorption of calcium.
Insufficient levels of vitamin D in the blood can lead to bone and back problems.
4. Depression
Another symptom of vitamin D deficiency is low mood.
According to a recent review, vitamin D deficiency is associated with depression in older adults.
5. Wound Healing Issues
Vitamin D deficiency can cause wounds to heal slowly after surgery or injury.
Test-tube studies have shown that vitamin C promotes the formation of skin-forming chemicals necessary for wound healing.
Insufficient vitamin D impairs some elements of healing in people undergoing dental surgery, according to a four-study study.
It has also been claimed that vitamin D's role in reducing inflammation and preventing infection is essential for healthy healing.
6. Bone loss
Without adequate amounts of vitamin D, it can be difficult for the body to absorb calcium and maintain healthy bone structure.
People over the age of 65 diagnosed with bone loss often think they need calcium supplements. However, you may have a vitamin D deficiency.
When mineral density is low, your bones lose calcium and other minerals. Because of this, fractures are more common in older adults, especially women.
7. Hair loss
Many people believe that stress is the main cause of hair loss, and this is undoubtedly true.
In extreme cases, disease or vitamin deficiency may be the culprit.
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of hair loss in women.
Alopecia areata is associated with low levels of vitamin D, which may be a risk factor for the disease.
Severe hair loss on the head and other parts of the body is a symptom of alopecia areata (also known as vitiligo). Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets, a disease that causes teens to have weak bones due to a lack of vitamin D in their diet.