Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms
Although exposure to sunlight naturally triggers synthesis of vitamin D, unfortunately, millions of people worldwide suffer from deficiency of the sunshine vitamin. Deficiency of vitamin D is linked to a number of health disorders.
According to recent studies, people with low levels of vitamin D are susceptible to certain cancers and even diabetes.Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency develop slowly. Even people with severe vitamin D deficiency might develop mild symptoms of deficiency of this essential vitamin.
Vitamin D deficiency symptoms
Bone and muscle pain
Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones. It stimulates synthesis of hormones that aid calcium absorption in the bone tissues. Bone and muscle pain, muscle weakness and fragile bones are the common signs of vitamin D deficiency. Frequent muscle cramps in children and adults might indicate deficiency of vitamin D. Deficiency of vitamin D might lead to involuntary muscle contraction. Numbness in the tongue, lips and fingers are often linked to vitamin D deficiency.
Delayed development in children
Slow development is a sign of vitamin D deficiency in babies and children. Often delay in appearance of teeth in babies might be a sign of vitamin D deficiency. Children suffering from vitamin D deficiency are prone to fractures. Older babies with vitamin D deficiency might not crawl, walk or sit properly. Deformities in the long bones are symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in infants. In the worse case, vitamin d deficiency leads to rickets, bowlegs and knock-knees. Rarely, severe vitamin D deficiency might lead to weakness in heart muscles and breathing problems.
Mood swings and depression
Some studies suggest that women suffering from vitamin D deficiency have a greater risk of experiencing mood swings. Deficiency of this essential vitamin might worsen mood swings before periods and during perimenopause and menopause.
Chronic fatigue
Vitamin D deficiency is often linked to chronic fatigue. Including vitamin D rich foods, supplements and exposure to sunlight could heal fatigue developing from vitamin D deficiency.
How to prevent vitamin D deficiency
Usually risk of vitamin D deficiency increases with age. Children and adults up to 50 years of age need at least 200 international units of vitamin D each day. After 50, you need extra 200 to 300 international units of vitamin D daily.
