9 most common signs of Vitamin D deficiency that we often ignore

Vitamin D, also called the sunshine vitamin, is important for the proper functioning of the body. From bone health to mood regulation, Vitamin D helps in all this and much more. However, considering the poor food choices most people make and the lack of exposure to sunlight regularly-- many across the world suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Another reason for it is that signs of Vitamin D deficiency are often subtle and so, they get ignored easily. But the good part is that by recognising these early warning signs and taking prompt timely testing and treatment— whether through safe sun exposure, dietary changes, or supplementation- Vitamin D deficiency can be treated. Here we list some frequently ignored symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency that we often ignore:

Do you often feel exhausted despite getting enough rest? This is a classic sign of Vitamin D deficiency. Researches link low vitamin D levels to fatigue: A 2019 study in older adults found a strong association with tiredness , and a 2015 study in nurses also reported that 89% of participants were deficient in Vitamin D and more fatigued.
Vitamin D plays an important role in muscle function and energy metabolism; and so when the body lacks it, it struggles to convert nutrients into energy thus making you feel fatigued persistently.

Vitamin D is important for overall bone health. It helps the body absorb calcium, thus keeping bones strong. But when Vitamin D levels drop, you may feel chronic bone or lower back pain-- and so, this is another sign of deficiency. A 2018 study linked deficient adults with more severe back pain.
If your pain is persistent and taking over-the-counter painkillers for it aren’t enough, then you should get your vitamin D levels checked and consult your doctor for it.

Muscle cramps, spasms, and overall feeling of weakness can all point to Vitamin D deficiency in the body. According to a study by Yale Medicine and a Bone Reports, Vitamin D deficiency affects proper muscle function and increases fall risk— especially in the elderly. If you have Vitamin D deficiency, you might notice difficulty in climbing stairs, lifting objects, or feel an overall sense of heaviness.

Vitamin D is important for immunity. However, when Vitamin D levels are low in the body it can make your immunity low ad thus you'll be more prone to frequent colds, flu, and respiratory infections. A 2012 study titled 'Vitamin D and the Immune System' reads, 'Deficiency in vitamin D is associated with increased autoimmunity as well as an increased susceptibility to infection.'
On the contrary, if you fall sick often and recover slowly, it might be an indication of Vitamin D deficiency.

Sunlight stimulates vitamin D production in the skin, and this in turn also releases serotonin and other mood-regulating neurotransmitters. And so, low levels of Vitamin D have been linked to depression and mood swings in people. A study in A Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care found that vitamin D–deficient patients took longer to recover from depression than those with normal levels. And so, if you are experiencing unexplained sadness, mood swings or brain fog it might be a subtle sign of Vitamin D deficiency.

If you are struggling with severe hair thinning and hair loss, it can be a surprising sign of low Vitamin D levels. But how is Vitamin D linked to hair? Well, Vitamin D receptors help hair follicles cycle properly. So, without enough of the sunshine vitamin, hair growth stalls. Research published in Cureus and the Indian Journal of Dermatology associated low serum vitamin D with androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata.

Vitamin D not just affects the bones, but also helps in skin repair and collagen synthesis. And so, if you notice that your cuts, bruises, or surgical wounds take very long to heal it might be an indication of low Vitamin D levels in the body. A 2020 study titled 'Correlation between vitamin D levels and hard-to-heal wounds' "suggests a correlation between low vitamin D levels and hard-to-heal wounds."

Poor dental health— like frequent cavities or gum disease— can also indicate low Vitamin D levels as it reduces calcium absorption in the body, which is important for strong teeth. A 2020 study titled 'Vitamin D Deficiency and Oral Health' states that 'Vitamin D deficiency is highly implicated with oral diseases and has been linked with a higher risk of tooth defects, caries, periodontitis and oral treatments failure.'

Vitamin D also influences leptin, which is a hormone that regulates hunger. And so, when you have Vitamin D deficiency it may lead to loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss. A study in The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology found vitamin D’s role in leptin regulation affects eating behaviour.If you notice this, it might be a subtle indication of poor Vitamin D levels in your body.

(Images: canva)