Vitamin D, also known as calciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin
The role of vitamin D is extremely crucial in performing several bodily functions. The vitamin helps the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus, two important minerals the body needs. Lab studies have also found that vitamin D can reduce cancer growth, inhibit infection and reduce inflammation. The most important role of vitamin D is in keeping the bones healthy and strong. Considering the different roles vitamin D plays in our body it is essential to know when our body lacks it and how to replenish the levels of vitamin D in the body. Here are a few symptoms of vitamin D deficiency you need to know.
Sleeplessness
Early signs of colon cancer which seem subtle but are warning signs to visit a doctor
Pain in the bones
This is one of the most important musculoskeletal manifestations of vitamin D. Due to less vitamin D, one experiences pain in the bone, weakness in muscles, low bone mass, and fractures. Low vitamin D also leads to frequent falls and increases the risk of injuries associated with them.
Falling sick often
Vitamin D is associated with frequent incidences of illness. Due to its significant role in the immune system, lack of vitamin D exposes the body to different types of pathogens. Several studies have found that people with low levels of vitamin D are at a higher risk of getting colds, asthma, and flu infections.
Depression
The onset of depression can be due to several reasons and lack of vitamin D is a prominent one among them. There is less awareness around vitamin D and mental health and this is why many people do not see this connection. Studies have found a relation between symptoms of depression and low levels of vitamin D. A 2020 review published the Depression and Anxiety journal found that vitamin D supplements helped people who had negative emotions.
Hair loss
Vitamin D has a key role in stimulating hair follicles and accelerating hair growth. Lack of this vitamin leads to bad and stunted hair growth and it also causes massive hair loss. Low levels of vitamin D also stop the growth of new hair.
Low levels of vitamin D can lead to...
A deficiency of vitamin D in the body can lead to an increase in the risk of developing heart diseases, it also increases the risk of cognitive impairment, causes severe asthma, and also has a role in cancerous growth. Low levels of vitamin D affect bone health and reduce the immune function in the body.
People who have the following issues are at high risk of vitamin D deficiency
Those who have inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease can have low levels of this essential vitamin because the gut system in these people is not able to absorb the vitamin. Obese people also have low vitamin D levels in the blood because the vitamin D accumulates in the fat tissues in these individuals. Apart from these, people who recently had gastric bypass surgery are also likely to have a low level of vitamin D.