Vitamin D is an essential nutrient playing a significant role in bones and immune system strength. It also regulates our mood and is a much-needed nutrient for girls, especially pregnant ladies. Many people face Vitamin D deficiency which leads to various diseases and disorders. This article discusses the causes and symptoms of this vitamin deficiency and treatment options.
Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency
The most common cause of vitamin D deficiency is the lack of sunlight exposure. Sun’s ultraviolet B (UVB) rays produce vitamin D when the skin gets exposed. But you may develop its deficiency if you cannot get enough sunlight. People living in the region with limited sunlight have low vitamin D. However, sunscreen is essential to protect your body from harmful sun rays; it also blocks vitamin D absorption.
People who stay indoors also face a deficiency of this vital nutrient. While people who have darker skin tones have melanin pigment reduces the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D with sun exposure. Aging is another factor that reduces vitamin D absorption in the human body. In addition to this, vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, so it stores in fat cells. So, obese people have less vitamin D because it stores in their fat cells.
Lastly, certain medical conditions are also responsible for low vitamin D levels in the body. Crohn’s, celiac, and cystic fibrosis affect the body’s ability to absorb vitamin D, especially from food.
What Are The Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency?
When your body is vitamin D deficient, you may experience the following symptoms.
Muscle Weakness and Bone Pain
Calcium cannot absorb in the body without Vitamin D. So, a lack of vitamin D means a lack of calcium, which leads to muscle weakness and pain.
Fatigue
Vitamin D-deficient people feel fatigued and have severe weakness. It happens due to the weakening of bones.
Mood Swings
Vitamin D is said to be a mood regulator in the body. Hence, its deficiency leads to depression and other severe mood disorders.
Slow Wound Healing
Vitamin D helps in quick wound healing. The wound-healing process slows down when a body becomes deficient in vitamin D.
Hair Loss
Vitamin D deficiency also causes hair thinning and loss. So, you should check your vitamin D levels if you have an extreme hair fall.
Treatment for Vitamin D Deficiency
The best treatment for vitamin D deficiency is to increase your sunlight exposure. You can also take supplements for vitamin D deficiency as per your doctor’s advice. Additionally, specific changes in your diet can also help increase this vitamin. For example, consuming fatty fish, egg yolk, cereals, and fortified milk can enhance your vitamin D levels.
People with a certain medical condition that stops their body from absorbing vitamin D must consult a doctor for medications and supplements. You can eliminate this deficiency with minor changes in lifestyle and diet.
Final Thoughts
Vitamin D deficiency causes serious health issues like bone and muscle pain, fatigue, weakness, etc. Besides this, people with weaker bones may experience bone emergencies frequently. You can search for a bone injury emergency room near me for all these emergencies and get the best treatment.
FAQs
Can a lack of vitamin D cause weight gain?
You may correlate weight gain due to vitamin D deficiency indirectly. But the direct relationship between weight gain and vitamin D deficiency has not been proven. However, its deficiency can cause various other health issues like bone weakening, muscle weakness, fatigue, body ache, etc.
How can I raise my vitamin D level quickly?
- Get more sunlight exposure
- Consume vitamin D-rich foods
- Take vitamin D supplements
