Vitamin D is an essential nutrient. As the only vitamin that also works as a hormone, Vitamin D is crucial for bone & muscle health, mental wellbeing, skin and teeth health among other things. Incidentally, it is also one of the very few essential nutrients that is manufactured by the body. Despite this, many are deficient in this essential nutrient. Here is a quick look at the symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency and signs one should look out for.
Vitamin D Deficiency: Symptoms
Since the vitamin is essential for a variety of body functions, the symptoms of acute deficiency also manifest in various forms. Here are a few symptoms that indicate that you are deficient in the same
- Getting sick/ infections often
- Pain in bones
- Muscular pains and spasms, recurrent pains
- Wounds that take longer than usual to heal
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Brittle bones – bones that break easily
Women above the age of 40 need to be especially careful about their Vitamin D levels. With onset of menopause, women begin to loose calcium from their body. A lack of Vitamin D – the nutrient that assists in assimilation of calcium, women may become prone to osteoporosis and suffer fractures. This disease, however, is not gender specific and men are also impacted by Vitamin D deficiency in similar manner.
Vitamin D Deficiency Signs to look out for
Skin is an excellent organ and subtle changes in the skin can also signal larger issues with your body. A few signs and changes in skin can also indicate a deeper deficiency of essential nutrients. For instance, excessive dryness, psoriasis (itchy patchy skin) could also be due to deficiency of vitamin D. Apart from this, some also indicate loss of hair, brittle nails as a possible indicator of the same.
Also Read | Vitamin D Deficiency: Cause, effect, and list of foods high in Vit. D
Foods rich in Vitamin D
It is true that body can make its own vitamin D, however, we do not get enough sun to meet our daily needs. Largely, we need to supplement body’s own system with diet which is rich in the essential nutrient. Here is a list of food that is power-packed with Vitamin D.
- Oily fish
- Egg yolks
- Liver
- Red meat
For vegetarians, Mushrooms are the only true good source of vitamin D. Apart from this, there are many fortified foods like cereals, milk, etc., which offer good supply of the nutrient. Nuts and certain seeds also provide vitamin D but are limited in quantity. In case you are suffering from acute deficiency, your doctor might advise you Vitamin D shots or tablets. Also, remember to get some sun everyday to keep the body happy.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet. For personalized diet plan, please contact the author on the number shared.
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