Symptoms and Signs That You May Have a Vitamin D Deficiency

Learn what are the symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency and what to do about it. Check out the article we found over at Top 10 Home Remedies.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is involved in many essential body processes and functions. Produced in the body with the help of ultraviolet rays from sunlight, this vitamin is important for boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, promoting cell growth, supporting neuromuscular functions and more.

It also plays a key role in the prevention and treatment of different health issues, such as Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, glucose intolerance and multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases.

When you do not get enough sunlight or eat foods rich in vitamin D, you are at a higher risk of suffering from vitamin D deficiency.

Here are the some signs that you may have a vitamin D deficiency:

1. Impaired Immunity

The most important sign of low vitamin D is weak or impaired immunity, causing you to more easily pick up illnesses.

Vitamin D supports proper functioning of the T cells that build immunity to help your body fight foreign, invading organisms.

A 2011 study published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine highlights that vitamin D helps modulate the innate and adaptive immune responses and its deficiency is associated with increased autoimmunity as well as increased susceptibility to infections.

2. Bone Pain

Vitamin D is important for bone, cartilage and muscle function. Lack of adequate vitamin D in the body can cause general muscle pain, muscle cramps and chronic joint pain.

Due to low vitamin D, calcium does not reach your skeletal system, thus contributing to bone pains.

In fact, its deficiency is also associated with diseases like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. All these health issues have a common symptom – joint pain.

3. Tiredness and Fatigue

Your body needs vitamin D for energy. If you are constantly tired without any known reason, get your vitamin D level checked.

Low vitamin D leads to fat accumulation. This in turn lowers your metabolism rate and makes you less energetic.

A 2014 study published in the North American Journal of Medical Sciences suggests that by correcting your low vitamin D, you can significantly reduce the severity of fatigue symptoms.

4. Digestive Problems

When you suffer from a gastrointestinal condition, your body may not be able to absorb this fat-soluble vitamin. This can lead to a low vitamin D level in the body.

Gastrointestinal conditions may include Crohn’s, celiac and non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Vitamin D receptors are present on cells in the digestive tract and the immune system, where vitamin D can bind to these receptors and help your body function properly.

A 2011 study published in Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology showed a link between low vitamin D and gastrointestinal diseases as well as inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer.

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