How Do We Know If We Have Vitamin D Deficiency And What Should Be Done?
Vitamin D Deficiency: Deficiency symptoms may appear as bone pain or muscle weakness or even lethargy and fatigue.
I am going to start by dealing with internal affairs. The first thing to say about vitamin D is that it’s not actually a vitamin at all (yes, really)—you can sometimes get it through your diet, but it’s a matter of your body producing it (in response to the sun). This means that knowledgeable people in this field consider it a type of hormone. So, there are details that are less known to you.
Vitamin D Deficiency, The next thing to say is that if you live in the UK, you probably don’t get enough sunshine (especially in the winter months) to make enough vitamin D, and you’ll probably need to supplement your [vitamin D] intake in the meantime. Give, as you might with omegas or probiotics.
Are you eager to know more? Here, we asked experts to weigh in and explain what causes vitamin D deficiency, what are the important signs to look out for, what are the risks, and if you think you may be vitamin D deficient. What should you do?
What Causes Vitamin D Deficiency?
Vitamin D Deficiency, Since our main natural source of vitamin D is the sun, when it comes to getting enough vitamin D, short winter days or low-sun climates can affect this issue. Maz Packham, a nutritionist at the website Nourishful Nutrition, explains: “Our skin produces vitamin D in response to ultraviolet light – UVB to be more precise – so it’s no surprise that many of us in the UK are deficient or have insufficient levels of vitamin D due to seasonal factors.”
Nutritional therapist Eve Kalinik confirms this, adding that even those who “live in sunnier climates, if they use sunscreen and their skin is not exposed to light at all, may be deficient in vitamin D. But of course, there has to be a balance here.” Ultimately, protecting your skin from sunburn is still important.
Vitamin D Deficiency, While it is possible to get some vitamin D through your diet, the amount will be very small. Hannah Alderson, a nutritionist and hormone specialist at BANT (British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine), advises: “Yes, we can get small amounts from foods – such as mushrooms, fatty fish, dairy and eggs – but not really enough to meet our needs. will not be.”
There are a few other things to consider when looking at the causes of vitamin D deficiency. According to source, “Some people don’t absorb vitamin D because of poor gut health and/or conditions like Crohn’s disease and celiac disease.” “Certain groups are at risk of vitamin D deficiency, such as people of a certain age or those with dark skin,” he added.
What Are The Symptoms Of Vitamin D Deficiency?
Vitamin D Deficiency, This is where things get really complicated, because this deficiency can manifest itself in many ways. Primarily, Kalinick says, given that vitamin D is an essential component of a strong immune system, “vulnerability to infections and viruses” may be a symptom. Deficiency symptoms may appear as “bone pain or muscle weakness (because vitamin D helps balance calcium in the body) or even lethargy and fatigue, which can often be associated with seasonal affective disorder (SAD).”
There’s also a hormonal component to consider, Alderson says: “Vitamin D is involved in reproduction and glucose homeostasis, and therefore in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and vitamin D deficiency is present among about 67 to 85 percent of women with PCOS.” “Polycystic is common.” Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to possible hormonal irregularities and all related symptoms.
What Should I Do If I Have Vitamin D Deficiency?
Vitamin D Deficiency, The first thing you can do is try a home blood test – they’re readily available and give a good clue of your current condition.
Packham goes on to add that you can try to increase your vitamin D levels by increasing your exposure to direct sunlight. “The process of vitamin D production can be more efficient, and the level of the vitamin can increase.” Experts all recommend making sure fatty fish and egg yolks are part of your diet – but admit that even if you do all the above, supplements are likely to be the last resort, especially in the UK’s winter months.
Vitamin D Deficiency, We’ve put together a handy guide to the best vitamin D supplements for you to try. If you prefer soft gelatin capsules, Myvitamins Vitamin D3 Soft Gelatin Capsules are a great and affordable option, as is Nutrition Geeks Vitamin D3 Capsules, which have enough capsules to last you a year.
Also Read:
The 7 Common And Dangerous Symptoms Of Vitamin Deficiency
8 Foods High In Vitamin D That Is Helpful In Cold Season
