You sweat several times a week, get plenty of sleep, eat a balanced diet, and lather yourself with SPF before you catch any rays, but did you know that you could suffer from a vitamin D deficiency and not be aware of it. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, one billion people worldwide are living with a deficiency in this crucial vitamin. So, how can you tell? Here are the top five signs and symptoms to watch for.
1. Feeling down-in-the-dumps.
A diagnosis of depression or major depressive disorder is often typically linked to a vitamin D shortage. While no one really knows why, the Vitamin D Council claims that the mineral may function in the same brain areas — and impact the same hormones such as serotonin — as those that affect your mood. In some cases, a depressed individual may find that his or her mood increases with vitamin D supplementation, and some patients choose to go this route first rather than jumping straight into antidepressant medications.
2. Chronic pain.
It might be subtle, but if you notice pains and aches in the bones, a condition known as osteomalacia, you could be lacking in vitamin D. People who are diagnosed with fibromyalgia or arthritis might actually be shy of this vitamin, as a deficiency can also cause muscles and joints to ache. If you’ve had discomfort for a few weeks with no relief, talk to your doctor to determine whether a deficiency in vitamin D could be the cause — and whether your treatment strategy should include the vitamin. Also, keep in mind that having sufficient vitamin D in your system can help to increase the speed of muscle recovery and prevent post-workout aches.
3. Broken bones.
Around the age of 30, the body stops building bone mass. Experts indicate that not having enough vitamin D in the body can actually worsen or speed up the symptoms of osteoporosis. However, it’s pretty much impossible for anyone to get enough vitamin D simply through food alone. Increasing your intake of vitamin D really requires a three-part attack that includes food as well as supplements and adequate sun exposure.
4. Unexpected and noticeable weakness.
Being strong isn’t just about pumping iron. Although those who are deficient in vitamin D might be tired all of the time, even when they get enough sleep every night, ensuring you are receiving enough vitamin D can help to maintain power throughout your body, regardless of your age. Some studies have linked supplementation with increased muscle control, and adults around 60 years of age reported in 20 percent fewer falls. According to a Western Journal of Medicine study, D-linked muscle weakness can be erased within six months of supplementation.
5. Excess sweating.
It can be hard to determine whether a newborn is deficient, but a sweaty forehead is one of the first things parents look for. The same idea holds true for adults. If you have that “glow” while you keep your activity level steady, you’re in a moderate temperature environment, and your temperature is close to 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, you might want to consider taking a vitamin D test to check your levels.
Those who neglect to monitor their levels of vitamin D could be more than twice as likely to develop diabetes and high blood pressure. There is a blood test, often covered by Medicaid and private insurance, that can test your levels. If the results come back that you’re low, talk to your doctor about supplementation to help decrease the side effects and potential future dangers of a vitamin D deficiency.
