Introduction
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for our bodies, and it’s important to make sure we’re getting enough of it. Unfortunately, many of us don’t get enough of this important vitamin, and it can lead to a variety of health issues. Pharmacists are experts in understanding the signs of vitamin D deficiency, and they can help you identify if you’re not getting enough. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the sure signs you’re lacking vitamin D, as well as some tips on how to get more of this important vitamin.
Sure Signs You’re Lacking Vitamin D, Say Pharmacists — Eat This Not That
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are important for strong bones and teeth. Unfortunately, many people don’t get enough of this important vitamin. Here are some signs that you may be lacking in Vitamin D, according to pharmacists.
1. You Feel Tired All the Time
If you’re feeling exhausted all the time, it could be a sign that you’re not getting enough Vitamin D. Low levels of Vitamin D can lead to fatigue and a lack of energy. If you’re feeling tired all the time, it’s a good idea to get your Vitamin D levels checked.
2. You Have Weak Bones and Teeth
Vitamin D is essential for strong bones and teeth. If you’re experiencing weak bones and teeth, it could be a sign that you’re not getting enough Vitamin D. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about getting your Vitamin D levels checked.
3. You Have Low Immunity
Vitamin D helps your body fight off infections and illnesses. If you’re experiencing low immunity, it could be a sign that you’re not getting enough Vitamin D. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about getting your Vitamin D levels checked.
4. You Have Muscle Pain
Low levels of Vitamin D can lead to muscle pain and weakness. If you’re experiencing muscle pain, it could be a sign that you’re not getting enough Vitamin D. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about getting your Vitamin D levels checked.
What to Eat to Get More Vitamin D
If you’re lacking in Vitamin D, there are some foods you can eat to get more of this important nutrient. Foods that are high in Vitamin D include fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel, as well as fortified milk, eggs, and orange juice. You can also take a Vitamin D supplement to make sure you’re getting enough of this important nutrient.
At least one-quarter of US adults are not getting the recommended amount of vitamin D, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “We have known for a long time that vitamin D is important for bone health,” says bone health expert Marci Goolsby, MD. “One of the jobs of vitamin D is to help your gut absorb the calcium and phosphorus from your diet. These minerals in turn help build and maintain the strength of your bones. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to stress fractures and other problems with the bones. But vitamin D has many other functions as well. I describe it to my patients as a delicate symphony of everything that goes on in your body. If one of the instruments — in this case, your vitamin D — is off, it can throw off the whole symphony.” Here are five sure signs you have a vitamin D deficiency, according to experts. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Numerous studies show low vitamin D can lead to muscle fatigue, including research from Newcastle University which compared the scans of vitamin D-deficient people before and after treatment. “Examining this small group of patients with vitamin D deficiency who experienced symptoms of muscle fatigue, we found that those with very low vitamin D levels improved their muscle efficiency significantly when their vitamin D levels were improved,” says Dr. Akash Sinha.
Lack of vitamin D can cause mood changes, doctors warn. “Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with a spectrum of health problems, and several studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency is also associated with depression,” says Ruta Nonacs, MD, PhD.
Bone fractures and injuries are common in people with vitamin D deficiency, especially children. “Everyone notices a fracture or a broken arm, but now we’re looking deeper and uncovering the ‘why’ behind it. Why did this kid break their arm compared to these thousands of other kids who also fell? Why did this kid get a stress fracture in their foot?” says pediatric orthopedic surgeon Alfred Mansour III, MD. “I’ve had many patients who have struggled to improve from these injuries, and our group has found that vitamin D deficiency played a role in that.”
Osteomalacia, a softening of the bones, is a common symptom of vitamin D deficiency. “From the perspective of vitamin D involvement in musculoskeletal pain, the process is presumed to begin with a lack of circulating calcium (hypocalcemia) due to inadequate vitamin D, and this sets in motion a cascade of biochemical reactions negatively affecting bone metabolism and health,” says Stewart B. Leavitt, MA, PhD. “Therefore, experts recommend that vitamin D deficiency and its potential for associated osteomalacia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain, muscle weakness or fatigue, fibromyalgia, or chronic fatigue syndrome.”
According to Cleveland Clinic, adults need 600 IU (International Units) of vitamin D a day. “Vitamin D is naturally found in some foods, primarily oily fish like salmon and sardines, egg yolks, mushrooms and liver,” says Dr. Goolsby. “It’s also added to some fortified foods, including milk and cereal. For many people, taking a supplement may be the best way to get the vitamin D they need. If your doctor tells you your vitamin D levels are low, speak with them about the right dose for you. This is important, because it’s possible to get too much vitamin D if you’re taking supplements.”
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