Nowadays, most people live in locations with a lot of sunlight and have easy access to vitamin D. However, many people are living in areas that have issues with the environment, leading to a decrease in Vitamin D levels. This can lead to issues such as weakening bones, stunted growth, and brittle nails. In this article, you’ll find out more about Vitamin D deficiency and its symptoms!
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a hormone that helps in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the digestive tract. It helps in making strong bones, teeth, and muscle tissue as well as regulating hormones. Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread problem throughout the world with more than 50% of Americans being deficient in this vitamin. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes, lupus, and Crohn’s disease, bone pain and fractures, muscle weakness and fatigue
Why do we need vitamin D?
Vitamin D is essential for bone growth, preventing the development of osteoporosis, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that vitamin D deficiency was a risk factor for all-cause mortality, and that treatment with vitamin D showed no harmful effects for older adults. It is vital for children with autism to be supplemented with this nutrient as well.
How does it work?
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that helps to maintain healthy bones, teeth and immune system. Unfortunately, many people currently aren’t getting enough of this important nutrient, as it’s not usually found in many of our food sources. The results of vitamin D deficiency are wide-ranging but can include chronic pain, brittle bones, weight gain or loss, and a weakened immune system.
Common Symptoms of a Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency is becoming more of a problem and has become quite prevalent in the United States due to less sunlight and decreased exposure to the sun. Symptoms of a Vitamin D deficiency typically include fatigue, muscle weakness, poor immune function, poor sleep, cognitive dysfunction, depression, and bone pain.
Other Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency
There are many other signs of Vitamin D deficiency. These include osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and general problems with the immune system. If you aren’t sure if you are getting enough Vitamin D, talk to your doctor about a blood test. One of the most common signs of vitamin D deficiency is fatigue. Other common symptoms include: increased risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, a weakened immune system and depression.
Consuming Foods with Vitamin D
If you’re not getting enough Vitamin D from your diet, then you should consider taking a vitamin D supplement. You can get this nutrient from certain foods that contain it, such as salmon and eggs. However, many people are now taking a Vitamin D supplement because their levels of Vitamin D could be too low. Some of the foods that are rich in vitamin D include salmon, cod liver oil, and tuna. Other sources of vitamin D are fortified milk, cereal, orange juice, and eggs.
Supplements to Boost your Intake of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that has many essential functions in the body. It is important to get enough of it through food, as well as supplements. This is because some foods do not have enough of this vitamin and it also can be difficult to absorb from food sources. A vitamin D deficiency can cause a whole host of symptoms. These symptoms include muscle- and bone pain, fatigue and weakness, depression, insomnia, and an increased risk of various types of cancer. The best way to avoid this deficiency is to get enough sunlight each day. You may also want to take a supplement after consulting with your doctor.
Health News 
Monali Gosh