Do you know the early signs of vitamin D deficiency?

Have you been feeling tired, easily exhausted or moody lately? Experiencing ache in your joints while climbing stairs? But have been ignoring these health concerns as an outcome of your stressed modern life? Well, it’s time to rethink. Your low vitamin D level might be the culprit.

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining overall physical and mental health. It helps in maintaining bone health by absorbing calcium, boosts teeth health, and supports cell growth. It facilitates the proper functioning of the immune system, safeguarding the body against various illnesses.

Known as the sunshine vitamin because it is mainly produced in the body from sun exposure, this fat-soluble vitamin is also naturally present in a few foods such as fatty fish and fortified dairy products.

Increasingly, vitamin D deficiency is becoming more common worldwide. A pan India study conducted in 2018 revealed that 79% of Indians are vitamin D deficient.

There are a number of reasons for low vitamin D levels — a lifestyle characterised by spending longer hours indoors, reduced exercise, and obesity are some of them. A lack of awareness is also leading to more people living with it undiagnosed. The ASSOCHAM survey revealed that a majority of the population was unaware of vitamin D deficiency.

Identifying signs that point to low vitamin D levels early can save you from suffering both physical and mental agony. Here are a few symptoms for vitamin D deficiency that you should look out for.

Bone and joint pains

Since vitamin D plays a significant part in maintaining bone health by facilitating absorption of calcium, a deficiency results in throbbing or an ache in the bones. The pain is mostly localised around the joints and the lower back.

Experiencing muscle weakness is common for those deficient in this vitamin. It also limits the person’s movements and causes extra discomfort in performing basic activities such as climbing stairs or getting up from low seating. Long-term vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets in children and osteoporosis, and an increased risk of fractures in adults.

Constant fatigue

If you are feeling exhausted and sleepy even after getting adequate sleep, it may be a sign of vitamin D deficiency. Low Vitamin D is one of the causes of fatigue. New research has shown that Vitamin D is vital for boosting energy levels and increasing muscle functions.

Depression

Research has linked low levels of vitamin D with depression and irritability. The lack of sun exposure impacts serotonin, known as the brain’s ‘happy hormone’. Studies also show that vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of late-life depression.

Head sweats

Some experts believe that an excessively sweaty scalp is an early sign of vitamin D deficiency. New-born babies are often monitored for head sweats to track Vitamin D levels.

Increased sun exposure and having vitamin D rich food are some of the natural ways of maintaining healthy Vitamin D levels. Taking a supplement such as NutriplusTM BoneHealth can help boost your vitamin D levels. It has a combination of vitamins and minerals essential for healthy bones and associated muscles.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please visit your doctor immediately.

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