12 Symptoms of a Vitamin D Deficiency

Known as the “sunshine” vitamin, vitamin D plays a vital role in your body. One of the four fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin D helps to promote the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the blood. These two nutrients work with each other in order to make your bones stronger. If you aren’t getting enough vitamin D, your body can only absorb a small amount of calcium and phosphorus. As a result, your bones will end up becoming very brittle, which could lead to easy breaks and fractures, as well as increase the chances of developing osteoporosis.
Therefore, in order to ensure that your body is absorbing as much calcium and phosphorus as possible, you need to make sure that you are getting enough vitamin D.

In addition to preventing brittle bones, breaks in the bones and the development of osteoporosis, vitamin D also does a lot more for your overall health. It has been found to reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancers, including colon, breast and prostate cancer. It has also been found to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and multiple sclerosis. Vitamin D also helps to improve the function of your lungs and plays an important part in regulating your mood.

If you aren’t getting enough vitamin D, your health could suffer dramatically. You will be much more susceptible to broken bones and falls, which could also increase the chances of sustaining a broken bone. You could also become more prone to developing osteoporosis. On top of that, you run a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer and could suffer serious issues with your mood, including depression and anxiety.

How much vitamin D do you need? The amount depends on your age; however, in general, the recommended amount is 800 to 1000 units a day. How can you tell if you are getting enough vitamin D? The best way to tell is by having a blood test performed. However, the development of certain symptoms can also indicate that you have a vitamin D deficiency.
What are the symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency? Here’s a look at some of the most common side effects that people who are deficient in this vitamin experience.

1. You’re getting sick more often than you normally would

One of the key functions of vitamin D is keeping your immune system healthy. When your immune system is strong, you are better able to fight off infections and illnesses that are caused by viruses and bacteria. If you are deficient in vitamin D, your immune system is weakened, which means that you will become more susceptible to illnesses and infections. If you are contracting things like the flu, the common cold, strep throat or other infections and illnesses more frequently than you normally would, it could be because you are not getting enough vitamin D. You might also run the risk for developing chronic disorders, such as COPD. One study found that people who have COPD were highly deficient in vitamin D.