9 Signs That Could Mean You’re Not Getting Enough Vitamin D
If you’re constantly getting sick, feel tired for no reason, and find yourself prone to stress fractures, a vitamin D deficiency could be why.
A quick vitamin D primer
You walk in the sunshine every day (wearing your SPF of course). You eat right. You get enough sleep. But you still may be missing something even if you’re doing all the right things—vitamin D. Though rare, severely low levels of vitamin D can cause rickets in children and osteomalacia (softening of the bones) in adults. Left untreated, these health conditions can lead to bone pain, soft and brittle bones, and muscle pain and weakness, according to the Cleveland Clinic. But recent research has suggested a connection between even moderately low levels of vitamin D and a number of surprising health conditions, including diabetes, osteoarthritis, and cancer.
Here are a few sneaky signs that you might not be getting enough vitamin D. If you feel that you’re suffering from any of these symptoms, talk with your healthcare provider, who will likely recommend a blood test. This is really the only way to accurately determine your vitamin D level. Then you can discuss ways to boost your levels, typically by taking an over-the-counter supplement.
1. You’re tired all the time
If you aren’t getting enough vitamin D, you may feel completely exhausted, even if you get plenty of sleep. “There is mounting evidence that vitamin D deficiencies are associated with fatigue and sleep disorders”.
2.You’re depressed
Having the blues may be linked to an insufficient amount of vitamin D. According to the Vitamin D Council, vitamin D receptors have been found in many parts of the brain, including in areas linked to depression. Research shows a link between low levels of vitamin D in the blood and depression symptoms.
3. Your forehead is often sweaty
Sweatiness on the forehead is one of the first classic noticeable signs of vitamin D deficiency. If you look like you’re glowing even when your body temperature and activity levels are normal, you may need more vitamin D.
4. Your bones hurt
Adults who don’t get enough vitamin D often have aches and pains in their muscles and bones, especially in the winter. Their joints are also a little stiffer in the morning. Soft bones are more likely to bow and fracture than ones that are healthy and hard.
5.You’re experiencing erectile dysfunction
If you or your sexual partner is suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED), lack of vitamin D may be to blame. A study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that men with severe ED had significantly lower levels of vitamin D than those with mild cases of ED.
6.You’re prone to stress fractures
Most people think of a lack of calcium when talking about bone health, which is true. However, without vitamin D, calcium doesn’t get absorbed properly. Vitamin D, specifically D3, which increases calcium absorption, is critical to preventing bones from becoming thin and brittle.
7. Your athletic performance could be better
Insufficient vitamin D may impact your fitness levels and muscle function. You may not even realize you’re not performing at your best. If adequate amounts of vitamin D are already in the bloodstream, then the speed of recovery from intense exercise is increased.
8. You can’t get a good night’s sleep
Researchers found that people who took more vitamin D had a 16 per cent lower risk of having trouble getting a full night’s sleep, according to a study published in the Journal of Sleep Research.
9. Being prone to illness
Colds, viruses, the flu: You name it, you get it. Vitamin D deficiencies are associated with depressed immune systems. Adults who have low levels of vitamin D are more likely to report having had a recent cold, cough, or upper respiratory infections.
