Vitamin D plays a vital role in maintaining our overall health. Yet, many people worldwide experience vitamin D deficiency without realizing it. This condition can lead to a range of health problems, making it crucial to understand the signs, causes, and benefits of vitamin D. Today, we’ll explore 7 signs of vitamin D deficiency and help you better understand what vitamin D does.
What Does Vitamin D Do? Vitamin D Benefits
Several vital body processes depend on vitamin D. It supports healthy bones and teeth by regulating calcium and phosphorus levels. In addition, vitamin D has anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties. Your body may have trouble functioning correctly if you don't get enough vitamin D, which can result in various health problems.
What Vitamin Does the Sun Give? Yes, It’s Vitamin D, the “Sun” Vitamin
As most of us know, Vitamin D is often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin” because sunlight triggers its production in your skin. When your skin is exposed to the rays, your body naturally produces vitamin D3, the most effective form of this nutrient. However, factors like limited sun exposure, sunscreen use, or living in northern regions can make it harder to get enough vitamin D from sunlight alone. This is especially common today when many people stay indoors due to work, school, home care, and other types of responsibilities.
Due to climate change, UVs are getting harsher on our skin, so the benefits of the natural vitamins from the sun might be outweighed by the damage the UVs have on our skin. This is another perspective to note on why some individuals have preferred vitamin supplements as a mediating replacement.
7 Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency to Look Out For
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it could be a sign that you’re lacking in this crucial nutrient:
- Skin Conditions: Acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, and other skin issues have been known to be caused by inflammation at least partially contributed by lack of vitamin D.
- Dental Problems: Historically, sailors during long sea voyages have often lost their teeth due to vitamin D deficiency. This deficiency weakened their teeth and gums, making them more susceptible to cavities and gum disease. And this is still viable today. Calcium and phosphorus are all necessary for strong teeth and healthy gums that can only be absorbed with vitamin D.
- Fatigue and Low Energy: Stress and exhaustion can not only be caused by lack of sleep but lack of vitamins as well. A vitamin deficiency, especially low vitamin D levels, may be the cause of persistent fatigue or a sense of being exhausted.
- Weaker Immunity: Prolonged vitamin D deficiency can contribute to a weaker immune system. If you feel like you get sick often but are struggling to find areas to target, vitamins can be a plausible place to start. One tip is vitamin D often is not the only vitamin that can cause issues if deficient. If you feel you are already consuming vitamin D specifically, other vitamins can be supplemented as well to strengthen your immune system.
- Slow Wound Healing: Studies have indicated a link between slow-healing wounds and low vitamin D levels, but the causal relationship of that dynamic still needs to be further studied.
- Weaker Bones: One of the main indicators of inadequate vitamin D is fragile bones, which is already hinted at by vitamin D deficiency’s effects on teeth.
- Sleep Issues: Lack of vitamin D can negatively impact the production of melatonin, a critical hormone that manages our sleep-wake cycle. Therefore a deficiency can cause sleep disturbances.
What Is the Difference Between Vitamin D and D3?
The key distinction between vitamin D and vitamin D3 is that Vitamin D is a general term that includes other types of vitamin Ds, while vitamin D3 is a specifically more potent form of vitamin D. Vitamin D can include but not limited to other types of vitamin Ds as well, such as D2 (found in plant-based foods), D3 (found in animal-based foods and synthesized by your skin), and of course D3 (the more potent and bioavailable form). Because of D3’s more potent nature, it is often the preferred option for vitamin D supplements.
Vitamin D Sources
As the sunshine vitamin the old-school way to get it would be from the sun, but there are still many other ways to increase your vitamin D levels. Your diet is a great place to start, such as fatty seafood like mackerel, tuna, and salmon. These are natural and delicious options for people to start with if they wish to increase their vitamin D more naturally.
But if you are deficient, supplements as a more potent form of vitamin D can be a viable option too. But of course, always consult your healthcare provider first when in doubt since everyone’s bodies vary.
Vitamin D Deficiency In Itself Can Be Just a Sign of a Larger Issue
The most straightforward way to address vitamin D deficiency is through vitamin D supplements, but deficiencies are often more complex than just lacking a single vitamin. When you're already deficient in one nutrient, such as vitamin D, it could indicate broader imbalances in your diet, sleep, or overall lifestyle that may lead to other essential vitamins and minerals. This is why multivitamins can also be a valuable option, as they provide a comprehensive approach to addressing multiple nutritional gaps simultaneously.
Recognizing the signs of vitamin D deficiency, and any other vitamin deficiencies, are crucial steps toward achieving better health. By identifying and addressing potential vitamin deficiencies through specific supplements or multivitamins, you can enjoy the full benefits of vitamin D and other essential nutrients. Prioritizing this now can help you avoid the more serious consequences of long-term deficiencies later.
