Introduction

Although many people with vitamin D deficiency do not experience any symptoms, there are a number of signs that may indicate insufficient levels of this important vitamin.

Vitamin D (or also called the sunshine vitamin) is one of the nutrients the body needs to build and maintain healthy bones, so a deficiency can negatively impact a person’s overall health.

Identifying Symptoms

Claire Barnes, a registered dietician at Bio-Kult, has identified a number of symptoms that could indicate a deficiency of the sunshine vitamin.

1. Fatigue

Self-reported fatigue and low energy levels are associated with low vitamin D levels.

Claire said: “A recent review of research shows that taking vitamin D supplements can have a significant impact on reducing fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis (an autoimmune disease that causes a range of symptoms, with fatigue being the most common).”

2. Bad Mood

Claire said increased levels of vitamin D receptors were found in areas of the brain associated with mood regulation.

She explained: “Studies have shown that people with depression have lower levels of vitamin D compared to healthy people. Interestingly, people with the lowest levels of vitamin D seem to be more likely to develop depression. Additionally, clinical studies have shown improved levels of depression when taking vitamin D supplements.”

3. Poor Oral Health

While many are aware of the importance of calcium for dental health, few realize that optimal levels of vitamin D are necessary for calcium absorption.

Claire explained: “Vitamin D actually plays a key role in the mineralization of bones and teeth, and good levels of the vitamin appear to be associated with improved oral health throughout life. On the other hand, vitamin D deficiency is directly related to oral diseases.”

4. Pain in Bones and Muscles

Vitamin D is known for its role in muscle and bone health, and according to Claire, low vitamin D levels “cause decreased calcium absorption, which in turn can lead to the release of parathyroid hormone, which promotes bone resorption and ultimately, bone tissue loss or mitigation.”

She continued: “The causes of muscle pain can vary. However, evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency may be a possible cause. The results of a review of studies involving more than 3,000 participants suggest that vitamin D supplements may play a role in managing chronic pain.”

5. Feeling Sick Often

Vitamin D plays an important role in modulating the immune system, and most immune system cells express vitamin D receptors.

Claire said: “In fact, there is strong scientific evidence that vitamin D has a variety of effects on immune system function. Conversely, vitamin D deficiency can lead to dysregulation of the immune system and can lead to either immunosuppression or an increased immune response.”

6. Digestive System Problems

One role of vitamin D that people may not be aware of is its importance to gut health. According to Claire: “Research shows that optimal vitamin D status plays an important role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis through many regulatory actions, including modulation of the gut microbiota. Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to lead to a reduction in harmful bacteria and an increase in ‘friendly bacteria’ in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Recent studies also suggest that the addition of live bacteria may in turn increase the expression and activity of vitamin D receptors, resulting in increased vitamin D levels in the host.”

Source: Express