1. Fatigue and tiredness
Fatigue
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Feeling regularly tired in your hectic life can be a result of numerous
factors and a vitamin D deficiency may be one of them. Various case
studies have revealed that very low blood levels can cause fatigue and
severely impede the quality of one’s life. Another observational study
in female nurses demonstrated a clear connection between low vitamin D
levels and self-reported fatigue.
In a few reported cases, people who complained of chronic daytime
fatigue and headaches were found to have a vitamin D blood level of only
5.9 ng/ml. Anything under 20 ng/ml is usually considered deficient.
Taking vitamin D supplements usually helps improve energy levels. Hence,
if you find yourself being regularly tired and fatigued, it would be a
good idea to see a doctor and get your vitamin D levels checked.
2. Getting sick or infected regularly
Do you find yourself being constantly sick or infected with some viral
illness? This may well be due to a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D plays
a crucial role in keeping our immune system strong to enable it to
fight off viruses and bacteria that cause illness. It also collaborates
with the cells that are responsible for fighting infection. Thus, low
vitamin D levels may be a contributing factor in you often getting sick.
Some observational studies have shown a connection between deficiency
and respiratory tract infections like colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
Another study published in the journal Molecular Nutrition and Food
Research states that vitamin D has a direct connection to how your
immune system reacts to different infections and viruses.
3. Back pain
Many of us experience bouts of back pain from time to time and that’s
quite common. However, if back pain, particularly lower back pain, has
become a regular feature of your life then it may be a warning sign of
low vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D helps in maintaining bone health by improving our body's
absorption of calcium. Several studies over the years have found a link
between a deficiency and chronic lower back pain. A 2008 study published
in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society revealed that lower
concentrations of vitamin D were connected to significant back pain in
women.
Researchers have now observed that people with vitamin D deficiency are
more likely to have back pain, including severe back pain, along with
bone pain in their legs, ribs, or joints.
4. Muscle pain or weakness
According to the Cleveland Clinic, you are not getting adequate vitamin D
if your muscles regularly feel weaker or are cramping more than usual.
Studies have found a link between chronic pain and low blood levels of
vitamin D. This may be because of the interaction between the vitamin
and pain-sensing nerve cells.
Furthermore, muscle pain or weakness for kids who are vitamin D
deficient is a real matter of concern as low levels can lead to rickets -
the softening and weakening of bones – which can be pretty painful and
dangerous, especially for children.
5. Hair loss
It is not uncommon for us to lose hair as we age. However, research
shows that a lack of vitamin D in your body can lead to hair loss.
Vitamin D plays a role in stimulating new and old hair follicles and
when you don’t have enough of it, new hair growth can be hindered.
Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to alopecia, the skin
condition that causes hair to fall out in small patches. Another study
published in the journal Skin Pharmacology and Physiology revealed that
women with hair loss had lower levels of vitamin D.
See Also: Learn Hair Regeneration Could Be Possible With This New
Process
6. Slow-healing wounds
Slow-healing or impaired wounds may be a sign that your vitamin D levels
are too low. Research has shown that the important vitamin increases
the production of compounds that are vital in the formation of new skin
for the wound-healing process. Furthermore, a 2011 study published in
the Journal of Dental Research proved that vitamin D levels are
important to post-surgical healing. It has also been noted that vitamin D
plays a part in controlling inflammation and fighting infection for
proper healing.
7. Bone loss and discomfort
Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a major role in calcium absorption and bone metabolism.
Hence, low bone density might be a sign of vitamin D deficiency, and
getting sufficient vitamin D is essential for preserving bone mass as
you get older.
Additionally, a study published in the journal American Family Physician
states that any aches and painful tenderness in your bones could be
directly related to a lack of vitamin D in the body. Take special note
if you feel pain or uneasiness when you put pressure over your
breastbone or shinbone areas, experts warn.