A Guide to Vitamin D deficiency symptoms
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that is also known as ‘sunshine vitamin’. It is created in the body by exposure to sun. Vitamin D is essential for a healthy body and strong bones as it helps in the phosphorous and calcium absorption of the body. The two main forms of Vitamin D are Vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3. Besides helping in secretion of insulin and controlling neuromuscular functions, it regulates the normal cellular differentiation, thereby even preventing cancer. It is also a vital nutrient for the foetus in pregnant women.
Generally, Vitamin D deficiency is the result of inadequate consumption of the vitamin from regular diet, kidneys not being able to change Vitamin D into calcitriol or limited exposure to sunlight.
Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms
The vitamin D deficiency symptoms mostly appear in the form of various disorders like chronic fatigue, heart disease, stroke, obesity, multiple sclerosis, osteomalacia in adults, hypertension and many more.
In children, the symptoms are low calcium levels in blood, fragile bones that are prone to fractures and difficulties in breathing. Babies might suffer from muscle cramps, slow growth and delay in growth of the teeth. In some rare cases, heart muscle can weaken and even lead to certain heart problems.
In women, Vitamin D is crucial for preventing different types of cancers such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, bladder cancer and colon cancer. Deficiency of Vitamin D can cause mood changes in women, especially during the premenstrual syndrome. Other mood related symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency include seasonal affective disorders or depressive behaviour.
In men, the common vitamin D deficiency symptoms are low calcium level in blood, increased blood pressure, depression, tuberculosis and diabetes. Men also suffer from bone problems such as joint pain and bone fracture.
Ways of Preventing Vitamin D deficiency
In order to prevent Vitamin D deficiency, you can opt for vitamin D enriched food items like margarine, milk, flour, fish, fish oil, egg yolk, beef liver, some kinds of cheese and grain. Those who are vegetarian should take special care of their diet as vegetarian diet is usually low in Vitamin D. You can also obtain Vitamin D by direct exposure to sunlight or artificial sources with ultraviolet B light.
The disorders caused by Vitamin D deficiency are quite dangerous. You need to identify the Vitamin D deficiency symptoms and treat them before it harms your health. In order to live a healthy life, it is advisable to prevent this deficiency by intake of foods that are rich in vitamin D, vitamin D supplements and regular exposure to direct sunlight.
