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 some of the consequences of vitamin D deficiency.

Mood swings

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

Digestive problems

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

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive disorder affecting 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 affected by the amount of sunlight you receive.

High risk of infection

If you are sick, your recovery time is likely to be longer than for others if you are getting less vitamin D. Vitamin D has been shown to increase the ability of T cells (which play a role in fighting infections).

Claudia Matles, a health coach who has worked with many people deficient in vitamin D, suggests that this vitamin may be a contributing factor to type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma in children, cardiovascular disease, and even sclerosis and cancer.

Muscle and bone pain

Low vitamin D levels often cause bone and joint pain. Photo: Shutterstock.

In addition to making you more susceptible to infections and viruses, low vitamin D can lead to conditions such as fibromyalgia, bone pain, the development of chronic fatigue symptoms, and hair loss.

There is varying evidence regarding the link between fibromyalgia and low vitamin D levels. Therefore, this vitamin is also used to alleviate 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 what is known as brain fog.

Feeling tired

The most often overlooked symptom of vitamin D deficiency is fatigue. Even low levels of vitamin D can negatively impact energy levels.

Fortunately, this cause can be remedied quite easily. A recent study showed that vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced fatigue. This may also explain why we have more energy in the summer and feel a bit tired and lethargic in the winter.

Complications during pregnancy

Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women can affect both the mother and the baby. Photo: Shutterstock.

During pregnancy, the fetus takes 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