Vitamin D Deficiency: Symptoms and Treatment
Importance of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins as it supports a variety of bodily systems. In addition to strengthening bones and muscles, vitamin D helps boost your body’s immune system. In addition, vitamin D has been found to help prevent certain types of cancers as well as type 1 and type 2 diabetes. With so much to offer, why do so many people find that they are vitamin D deficient?
Vitamin D Deficiency
Our bodies can make vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight. The other main way to get the proper amount of vitamin D is through diet. Foods such as fatty fish, egg yolks, red meat, cheese and a variety of foods that are fortified with vitamin D, can be good sources. But for many people, these two methods are simply not enough.
Risk factors for vitamin D deficiency include:
- staying indoors
- begin obese or overweight
- poor diet
- dark skin
- some vegan diets
Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency
If you have been diagnosed with low levels or insufficient levels of vitamin D, you might be at risk for a number of issues. Some of the most common symptoms include fatigue, getting sick often, stress fractures, bone loss, muscle soreness, poor wound healing and hair loss. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, it might be wise to consult with your doctor about getting a test to assess levels of vitamin D in your body.
Treatment Options
If you have been diagnosed with Vitamin D deficiency, there are some simple things you can do to address this issue. While adjusting your diet to ingest more vitamin D can be helpful, the most efficient way to increase levels is through a supplement. Talk to your doctor about setting the correct dosage as it can vary from person to person based on age, weight and current levels at diagnosis.
