What are the signs of vitamin D deficiency?

What are the signs of vitamin D deficiency?

How do you know if you are low on vitamin D?

Vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin” because our bodies make it when we get sunlight. If you’re not getting enough, your body will send warning signals.

Early warning signs

These can be easy to miss but are worth paying attention to:

Constant tiredness or low energy7

Muscle weakness or body aches8

Feeling down or moody9

Falling sick more often than usual10

Why it matters

If left untreated, low vitamin D can lead to more serious health problems over time. The diagram below shows how early symptoms may progress to possible long-term complications and why early diagnosis and treatment can make a difference.

References

  1. Holick MF, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab2011;96:1911-1930.
  2. Man REK, et al. 2017; 9:313.
  3. Raymond-Lezman JR, Riskin SQ. Cureus 2023;15:e38578.
  4. Hossein-nezhad A, Holick MF. Mayo Clin Proc2013;88:720-755.
  5. Kumaran CRV et al. Int J Contemp Pediatr 2021;8:1675-1679.
  6. Giustina A, et al. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2023;24:121-138.
  7. Satyajeet R, et al. N Am J Med Sci 2014;6:396-402.
  8. Al-Eisa ES et al. Clin Interv Aging 2016;11:513-522.
  9. Wilkins CH, et al. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2006;14:1032-40.
  10. Martens PJ, et al. Nutrients 2020;12:1248.