Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Vitamin D deficiency symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, bone pain, depression, weight loss, and more. Find out what causes vitamin D deficiency and how to treat it!
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that helps maintain strong bones and teeth, and protects against many diseases. It also plays a role in regulating our immune system.
What Is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin found naturally in foods such as fish, eggs, milk, cheese, and mushrooms. You can also make your own by exposing your skin to sunlight.
Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms
Vitamin D helps maintain healthy bones and teeth, and plays an essential role in maintaining normal immune function. It is also necessary for proper brain development during pregnancy and childhood. However, some people are unable to produce enough vitamin D through sun exposure because of darker skin pigmentation, obesity, certain medications, or other medical conditions.
Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency
There are several reasons why people may develop vitamin D deficiency. First, older adults often do not spend much time outdoors due to limited mobility and decreased outdoor activity. Second, those who live at higher latitudes (such as northern Europe) may not receive adequate sunlight throughout the year. Third, individuals with dark skin pigmentation may require more UVB light than lighter-skinned individuals to synthesize sufficient amounts of vitamin D. Finally, certain medications such as anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and antipsychotics can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb vitamin D.
Treating Vitamin D Deficiency
If you suspect that you or one of your family members has developed vitamin D deficiency, talk to your doctor about treatment options. In addition to taking supplements, your doctor may recommend using a tanning bed or spending more time outside during the summer months.
Vitamin D Deficiency Causes
There are several reasons why people develop vitamin D deficiency. First, some people simply do not spend enough time outdoors. Second, certain medications can cause vitamin D levels to drop. Third, some people with darker skin pigmentation (like African Americans) cannot make as much vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Finally, some people who live at higher latitudes (such as those living in northern Canada) may need to take supplemental vitamin D because they are unable to produce adequate amounts of vitamin D through exposure to sunlight.