Symptoms of Low Vitamin D Levels

Vitamin D deficiency is fairly common, but what are the symptoms of low vitamin D levels? .

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that our bodies manufacture from the exposure of skin to sunlight. The widespread use of sun block in recent years has caused an increase in people suffering from vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D is also available in several food sources, including fish and fish oil. It is available in small amounts in beef liver and eggs. Many dairy products are also fortified with vitamin D in order to help your body enhance calcium absorption.

Vitamin D plays an essential role in several bodily functions. Perhaps the most important role of vitamin D in your body is the mineralization of bone. Vitamin D helps your bones to absorb the minerals they need for growth and repair, including calcium and phosphorus. This is why one of the classic diseases of vitamin D deficiency is rickets, because in the absence of adequate vitamin D, your bones are unable to absorb the minerals necessary for a strong bone structure.

Vitamin D plays other roles in your body, as well. It enhances immune function and is necessary for cell growth.

Inadequate intake and/or absorption of vitamin D can lead to vitamin D deficiency. In recent years, there has been an upswing in vitamin D deficiency. Some of this can be attributed to the use of sun block; however, many individuals simply can’t absorb vitamin D well. Instead, their bodies block absorption, so only a little vitamin D gets through. This condition, known as vitamin D malabsorption, has a number of causes. Many may be genetic and evolutionary, while others can relate to thyroid issues or autoimmune disorders.

Your doctor can order a blood test that will test whether your serum blood levels of vitamin D are low if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms of low vitamin D levels:

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Vision problems
• Insomnia
• Burning sensation in throat and mouth
• Muscle fatigue and pain
• Exhaustion
• Depression
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Poor immune function
• Increased susceptibility to fractures
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Throbbing deep in the bones
• Dental problems
• High blood pressure
• Lung cancer
• Asthma
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Chronic pain
• Periodontal disease
• Rickets
• Osteomalacia
• Osteoperosis
• Heart failure
• Cardiomyopathy

If you are experiencing symptoms of low vitamin D deficiency, have your vitamin D serum levels tested by your personal health care provider before self-prescribing supplementation. While vitamin D toxicity is rare, all fat soluble vitamins have the potential to build up to toxic levels in your body. This is because an excess of fat soluble vitamins is not flushed out in your urine as water soluble vitamins are. Instead, fat soluble vitamins are stored in your body unless the body needs to use them.

• In the case of vitamin D and the other fat soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E and K), there is such thing as too much of a good thing. Your body needs just the right amount of these vitamins. Too much or too little can both cause health issues.
• Your personal health care provider can help you to determine the appropriate level of vitamin D supplementation for your own unique situation.
• Cod liver oil is also an excellent source of vitamin D; however, it is typically recommended that you don’t take cod liver oil if you are also taking vitamin D supplements. Check with your doctor.
• The amount of vitamin D needed varies greatly from person to person. Due to the different rates at which our bodies absorb vitamin D, one person’s supplementation requirements may not be the same as yours. This is why seeking professional advice can help you to find the appropriate amount of vitamin D for you.
• Vitamin D can interact with certain medications, including cholesterol medications and corticosteroids. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for potential interactions.

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