Studies have found that more than a third of adults in the US experience vitamin D deficiency, prompting medical professionals to highlight four vital signs that may indicate low levels.
Typically, many people can maintain adequate vitamin D levels in the summer, thanks to ample sunlight exposure during this season.
However, the transition to colder and cloudier months makes it challenging to sustain these levels in winter.
This difficulty arises because vitamin D, often referred to as the ‘sunshine vitamin’, is primarily synthesized from sunlight and is not abundant in food sources alone. Consequently, reaching the daily requirement of 10 micrograms (mcg) from sunlight becomes nearly impossible between October and March.
The Cleveland Clinic reports that approximately 35 percent of Americans, along with one billion people worldwide, are deficient in vitamin D.
Moreover, an astounding 50 percent of the global population is considered ‘insufficient’ in vitamin D levels.
This can result in various symptoms, such as muscle weakness, cramps, fatigue, and depression. In severe cases, a deficiency in vitamin D can even lead to rickets in children, characterized by incorrect growth patterns, bone pain, and joint deformities.
Adults with vitamin D deficiency may experience four primary symptoms, including fatigue, bone pain, muscle aches, and mood changes such as depression.
As per the Cleveland Clinic, individuals with higher skin melanin (darker skin) and those who wear extensive clothing coverage are at greater risk.
Certain medical conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, and celiac disease, increase the risk of deficiency since they hinder the absorption of sufficient vitamin D through the intestines.
Obesity is another risk factor, with a BMI over 30 typically linked to lower vitamin D levels. This is due to the vitamin being sequestered by fat cells, reducing its availability for absorption.
Moreover, individuals with kidney or liver disease are more likely to be deficient, as these conditions decrease the enzyme levels needed for the body to convert vitamin D into a usable form.
The Cleveland Clinic also notes that those who have undergone weight loss surgeries, such as gastric bypass, face increased risk since their bodies struggle to absorb the nutrient efficiently.
The BBC highlights that older adults, breastfeeding individuals, and those with multiple short-term pregnancies may also have a harder time absorbing vitamin D.
The consequences of vitamin D deficiency can be significant. This vitamin is essential for maintaining calcium balance in the blood, which is crucial for bone health.
Calcium and phosphorus are necessary for building strong bones and supporting healthy tissue. A deficiency can lead to hypocalcemia, reducing blood calcium levels and potentially causing secondary hyperparathyroidism as the parathyroid glands work to normalize calcium levels.
Healthcare professionals recommend taking vitamin D supplements during the colder months, especially for individuals in regions with limited sunlight. However, it’s essential to be aware of four specific symptoms that may arise.
The NHS advises that everyone over five years of age should consider a daily supplement of 10 mcg of vitamin D from October to March.