Vitamin D – Deficiency Symptoms, Causes and Prevention

Vitamin D is known as “Sunshine Vitamin” which is produced by the body which is the response to the exposure of the sun. Vitamin D can be consumed with the supplement or food. Unlike other vitamins, Vitamin D has the important function for increasing the hormone along with every cell in the body based on the receptors. Sunshine vitamin is the fat-soluble vitamin that has the family of Compounds such as Vitamins D-1, D-2, and D-3. The human body produces more amount of Vitamin D naturally when skin is exposed to the sunlight. Vitamin D is available in certain foods as well as supplements for ensuring the adequate level of vitamins is present in the blood.

Important functions of Vitamin D:

Vitamin D is the most important vitamin for the human body and plays a pivot role in our internal and external organs. Vitamin D also has several important functions as it regulates the absorption of Phosphorus and Calcium. Vitamin D plays a vital role in facilitating the immune system function. In fact, getting a sufficient amount of Vitamin D becomes more important for the normal growth along with the development of the teeth and bones. Vitamin D improves the resistance against the certain type of disease.

• Absorbs calcium to build bones strong and healthy
• Blocks release of parathyroid hormone
• Hormone reabsorbs the bone tissue
• Role in the muscle function
• Improves immune system
• Improved resistance against diseases
• Supports the health of the brain and nervous system
• Regulates insulin levels
• Aids diabetes management
• Reduced risk of diabetes
• Cancer prevention
• Supports lung function

Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms:

Most people do not realize that they are deficient in Vitamin D as the symptoms are normally subtle. In fact, it is difficult to recognize the symptoms of the deficiency. People who are living near the equator would automatically get more sun exposure so that they are less likely to be deficient of Vitamin D. Main reason is that the skin produces the Vitamin D that would satisfy the needs of bodies. Some of the Vitamin d deficiency symptoms that are visible are mentioned below

• Getting sick or infected often
• Fatigue
• Depressed mood
• Impaired wound healing
• Hair loss
• Muscle pain
• Painful bones and back
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Depression
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Osteoporosis
• Changing to Dark Skin

Causes:

• Dark-colored skin is less vitamin D
• Being elderly
• Being obese or overweight
• Not eating much Dairy or Fish
• Living far from the equator
• More usage of sunscreen when going out
• Staying indoors always

Research has stated that the children having Type 1 diabetes also has the higher chance of having the Vitamin D deficiency when compared to the general population.

Prevention:

Vitamin D deficiency is quite common these days and it is estimated that more than 1 billion people across the world have low levels of the Vitamin D. Vitamin D supplement also helps to causes and Prevention reduce the deficiency, but it is necessary to take the doctor’s advice or prescription.

• Maintain healthy body weight
• Increase exposure to the natural sunlight
• Monitor and treat medical conditions
• Talk to the doctor about changes in your health condition
• Eat foods rich in vitamin D
• Eat Fatty fish like mackerel, tuna, and salmon
• Eat Fish Liver Oils, Cheese, Egg Yolks, and Beef Liver