Vitamin D deficiency is a dangerous thing to have.
It is known that Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that has a big role in many important body functions.
It usually works together with calcium to maintain the strength of your bones and prevent deformations. Vitamin D also regulates the immune system and cells, preventing numerous disorders including cancer.
Vitamin D is closely related to our immune system and bone health. Consuming enough vitamin D can preserve your overall health and prevent numerous serious health conditions.
Vitamin D deficiency is responsible for serious bone disorders such as rickets, a condition that occurs in children when the bones can mineralize.
This condition has been known to lead to brittle bones and deformities and an increased risk of injury. According to the latest research, vitamin D deficiency has been responsible for a big number of other diseases and conditions.
The study discovered that the vitamin plays a big role in the prevention of high blood pressure, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, etc. Knowing how important the vitamin is, we can safely conclude that getting enough on it on a daily basis is vital for our overall health. This is why it’s important to learn how to recognize the 7 signs of vitamin D deficiency which you can see below:
Pain and muscle weakness
In the beginning, the degree of muscle pain and weakness can vary, but as the deficiency progresses, the symptoms will intensify. When metabolized, vitamin D improves muscle contraction which is essential for stronger bones.
Weakened immune system
Low vitamin D levels in the body can negatively affect our immune system. A high concentration of vitamin D receptors is present in the immune cells in areas of the body that need proper vitamin D levels.
According to a Japanese study, children who were given vitamin D supplements had fewer instances of the flu than children who were vitamin D deficient, while another study found out that children suffering from autoimmune diseases had lower vitamin D levels in their bodies as well.
High blood pressure from vitamin D deficiency
High blood pressure has also been related to vitamin D deficiency.
Our body contains a peptide that increases the blood pressure through arterial restriction and water retention, and vitamin D is a countermeasure that suppresses this enzymatic reaction and reduces the body’s inappropriate response to the peptide.
Sadness and depression
According to one study, there’s definitely a link between sadness and depression and low vitamin D levels in the body. The study found a link between fluctuating levels of vitamin D3, seasonal affective disorder, and seasonal depressive condition.
Another study gave vitamin D3 supplementation to subjects with depression who experienced reduced negative effects after the therapy. They reported diminished food cravings, hypersomnia, lethargy, and sleeping problems.
Gut problems
Scientists are now associating a number of gastrointestinal disorders with low vitamin D levels in the body.
People suffering from celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, IBD and other digestive problems are more likely to be suffering from vitamin D deficiency as well.
People with high body fat amounts are prone to the same deficiency as fat dilutes vitamin D and reduces its effects.
Excessive sweating
Unfortunately, people who sweat more are likely to suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Doctors aren’t yet sure why, but there seems to be a profound link between the two.
Heart conditions
Experts have found a link between heart problems and vitamin D deficiency. According to doctors, low levels of the vitamin in the body allow calcium buildup in the arteries. This forms plaque and results in cardiovascular diseases.
Other factors such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol levels also strengthen the relation between heart conditions and vitamin D deficiency.
In order to increase your daily vitamin D intake, we suggest eating more oranges and getting plenty of sunlight.