8 signs of vitamin D deficiency in adults

The role of Vitamin D in the body

An article on the Medlatec General Hospital website, with medical consultation from MSc. Dr. Tran Thi Kim Ngoc, states that vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient, primarily sourced from external sources, and plays a very important role in the body.

Vitamin D comes in two main forms:

One is Vitamin D2, also known as ergocalciferol.

The second is Vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol.

Both nutrients can be obtained through everyday foods. In the case of Vitamin D3, the body can also synthesize this component from sunlight when exposed to the skin.

This nutrient also plays many roles in the body's physiological mechanisms, such as:

Calcium absorption:Vitamin D helps the body absorb and metabolize calcium through the intestines, distributing essential nutrients throughout the body. It also plays a role in calcium reabsorption. Furthermore, Vitamin D helps regulate and stabilize calcium levels in the blood.

Protecting the bone and tooth structure:Calcium plays a key role in the structure of bones and teeth, so Vitamin D is an essential nutrient to ensure an adequate supply of calcium for stable body development.

Regarding hormones:It affects the production and function of insulin and thyroid hormones.

Contributes to protecting the body:It helps strengthen the immune system, fight against agents such as viruses and bacteria, and prevent certain types of colds and flu.

Signs of vitamin D deficiency in adults

According to Thanh Nien newspaper, citing the health website Healthline (USA), those at high risk of vitamin D deficiency are people who get little exposure to sunlight, such as those who work indoors all day, live in areas with little sunlight, or frequently over-protect themselves when outdoors. In addition, people with dark skin, obesity, and those with liver or kidney disease are also more susceptible to vitamin D deficiency.

Here are the signs of vitamin D deficiency in adults:

Chronic fatigue

Feeling tired after a day's work is normal, but if you consistently feel tired, even exhausted, despite getting enough rest, it could be a sign of vitamin D deficiency.

Numerous studies have shown that vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's energy levels. A deficiency in vitamin D makes it difficult for the body to metabolize energy, leading to prolonged fatigue, weakness, and reduced concentration.

Muscle and bone pain

Muscle and bone pain is a common symptom of vitamin D deficiency. This symptom is often mistaken for muscle strain or age-related issues. A distinguishing feature is that pain due to vitamin D deficiency is persistent and of no apparent cause.

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, thereby keeping bones and muscles healthy. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to more brittle bones, increased pain, and even an increased risk of osteoporosis.

Frequent minor illnesses, weakened immune system.

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in activating the immune system, helping the body fight off bacteria and viruses. If a person frequently suffers from colds, persistent coughs, or infections, it's very likely their immune system is weakened due to a vitamin D deficiency.

Some studies suggest that adequate vitamin D intake may help reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses and infections.

Hair loss is more severe than normal.

Hair loss is a common problem. Causes can include stress, hormonal changes, chemical use, or vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D stimulates hair follicle growth and maintains hair strength. When the body lacks vitamin D, hair becomes weak, brittle, and thins over time.

To supplement vitamin D, people can sunbathe for 10 to 15 minutes in the morning, before 10 a.m., to avoid the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. Additionally, taking supplements and eating foods rich in vitamin D such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, cod liver oil, mushrooms, and egg yolks are also effective ways to supplement this vitamin.

Osteoporosis

As mentioned, vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and bone metabolism. Therefore, supplementing with both vitamin D and calcium simultaneously will help the body maximize absorption.

Low bone mineral density is a sign that bones have lost calcium and other minerals. This puts older adults, especially women, at a higher risk of fractures. A study of over 1,100 middle-aged or postmenopausal women found a strong link between low vitamin D levels and low bone mineral density.

Researchers say that high-dose vitamin D supplementation cannot improve bone density in women with vitamin D deficiency, but it may be a good strategy to protect bone mass and reduce the risk of fractures.

Muscle pain

The causes of muscle pain are often difficult to pinpoint, however, vitamin D deficiency is a potential cause.

Vitamin D receptors are found in nerve cells called pain receptors. A deficiency in this vitamin may also be related to the body's pain signaling, contributing to chronic pain. Some studies have also noted that high-dose vitamin D supplementation may reduce various types of pain in people with this vitamin deficiency.

Anxiety, depression

According to VnExpress, citing Healthline, a review showed lower levels of calcidiol (a form of vitamin D) in people with anxiety or depression.

Separate studies in pregnant women have shown that adequate vitamin D intake may help reduce anxiety symptoms, improve sleep quality, and even prevent postpartum depression. Several reviews have found that vitamin D supplementation also helps reduce symptoms of depression.

Wounds heal slowly

Slow wound healing after surgery or injury can be a sign that your body has too low levels of vitamin D. In fact, results from an in-tube study showed that vitamin D increases the production of important compounds for the formation of new epidermal cells, similar to what is part of the wound healing process.

Vitamin D deficiency is often treated with supplements, dietary sources, and conscious sun exposure. Foods rich in vitamin D include: fatty fish, egg yolks, cereals, yogurt, etc. Oral supplementation is a common treatment for vitamin D deficiency, but it is necessary to consult a doctor for dosage recommendations.

Above are 8 signs of vitamin D deficiency in adults. If you experience any of these unusual symptoms, please go to the hospital for necessary tests and take vitamin D supplements as directed by your doctor.