Vitamin D is a key vitamin that regulates several systems and ensures optimal health. It is known as the “sunshine vitamin” because it is synthesized with the exposure to sunlight. Further, foods such as fortified dairy products and fatty fish offer hefty supplies of the vitamin. However, it is difficult to get enough from diet alone and you may not have adequate time to spend outdoors. Vitamin D deficiency, thus, emerges as a common problem. Timely detection and resolution of the deficiency are essential since it can affect the quality of life. But this is easier said than done because the symptoms of the condition are usually subtle. Here are the ones that you need to know to get an early diagnosis.
Frequent infections
Vitamin D is an immunity booster and enables you to ward off disease and infection. If you suffer from frequent bouts of cold and flu, you may be deficient in this vitamin. Several studies show that people who are low on it are likely to fall prey to respiratory infections. Taking supplements can reduce your risk to a considerable extent.
Bone pain and loss
A well-known fact about vitamin D is that it improves the absorption of calcium. For this reason, it is vital for maintaining bone health. Bone pain and loss indicate that you are falling short on its optimal levels. People who are deficient often experience lower back pain, joint pain, and pain in the ribs and legs. Chronic deficiency can even limit daily activities.
Weight gain
Another sign that your body is lacking this vitamin is weight gain. Some studies also link it with an increase in belly fat. If you have a vitamin D deficiency, Earl Hailey from PatchMD.com explains that your body will convert sugar to fat instead of energy. Obviously, this extra fat will pile up on your body and take the weighing scales higher.
Fatigue
A deficiency of vitamin D can make you feel constantly tired. In fact, you may feel deprived of energy levels even if the levels are not extremely low. Unfortunately, people often fail to pay attention to this sign and the deficiency can go undetected. Early detection is the key because simply taking daily supplements can make you feel energetic and improve the quality of life.
Depression
Another symptom of vitamin D deficiency is depression. According to scientific research, older adults are more likely to experience mood issues due to the lack of this vitamin. The bad news is that people fail to establish the link between the two. Taking supplements on a regular basis can resolve the problem to a considerable extent.
Slow wound healing
If you experience slow healing of wounds, you may be suffering from a lack of vitamin D. The vitamin speeds up the production of certain compounds that promote the formation of new skin during the wound healing process. Additionally, it controls infection and reduces inflammation too, making it vital for wound healing.
Since these symptoms are easy to overlook and associate with other health issues, it is usually hard to diagnose vitamin D deficiency. The best approach is to be aware and take quick action and seek help if you experience any of these.
