What happens when the body lacks vitamin D

Current research shows that vitamin D is involved in many parts of the body, because every cell has receptors for this vitamin.

According to Dr. Schreiber, a chiropractor, vitamin D deficiency affects more than 80% of the population. However, many people have no symptoms of vitamin D deficiency until they receive blood test results at the hospital. Here are the consequences of vitamin D deficiency.

Mood swings

Vitamin D is responsible for activating genes that regulate neurotransmitters and directly affects brain function and development, Dr. Schreiber said. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to depression and seasonal affective disorder, especially in the winter months when there is less sunlight.

Digestive problems

The main symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are chronic abdominal pain and intermittent constipation and diarrhea. Photo: Shutterstock.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive disorder that affects 25–40 million people in the United States, 67% of whom are women.

Vitamin D supplements may help reduce your IBS symptoms. You can add your digestive system to the list of organs that benefit from the amount of sunlight you get.

High risk of infection

If you get sick, you're more likely to take longer to get better than other people if you get less vitamin D. Vitamin D has been shown to boost the ability of T cells (which fight infections).

Claudia Matles, a health coach who has worked with many people who are deficient in vitamin D, believes the vitamin may be a factor in type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, childhood asthma, heart disease, and even multiple sclerosis and cancer.

Musculoskeletal pain

Low vitamin D often causes painful bone and joint diseases. Photo: Shutterstock.

In addition to making you susceptible to infections and viruses, low vitamin D can cause you to suffer from fibromyalgia, bone pain, develop chronic fatigue symptoms, and lose hair.

There is mixed evidence of a link between fibromyalgia and low vitamin D. Therefore, this vitamin is also used to reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Brain fog

According to some studies, low levels of vitamin D may be linked to cognitive impairment, causing lethargy, forgetfulness, or brain fog.

Feeling tired

The most commonly overlooked symptom of vitamin D deficiency is fatigue. Even low levels of vitamin D can have a negative impact on energy levels.

Fortunately, this cause is quite easily corrected. A recent study found that vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced fatigue. This may also explain why we have more energy in the summer and feel a little tired and lazy in the winter.

Complications during pregnancy

Pregnant women with vitamin D deficiency affect both mother and baby. Photo: Shutterstock.

During pregnancy, the fetus gets vitamin D directly from the mother's body. Therefore, vitamin D deficiency is associated with poor bone growth, soft bones, and rickets as well as neurological problems in children.

Pregnant women who are deficient in vitamin D may experience complications such as preeclampsia, weight loss, and gestational diabetes.

According to Zing