Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms: Vitamin D is a nutrient which strengthens the bones, teeth and muscles of our body. It helps the body to absorb calcium and phosphorus from food. Like other vitamins, Vitamin D is not obtained only from food, but our body also produces it with the help of sunlight. If Vitamin D deficiency persists in the body for a long time, bones become weak and muscle pain increases. Not only this, other problems start appearing in the body.

Why does Vitamin D deficiency occur?

1. Spend less time in the sun

The biggest reason for Vitamin D deficiency is lack of sunlight. When our skin is exposed to ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays of the sun, the body produces Vitamin D. For example, if a person stays inside the office, home or mall all day and he gets less exposure to sunlight, then there is a risk of Vitamin D deficiency in his body.

2. Lack of Vitamin D in food

Many people eat less food products in which Vitamin D is found. Know which foods contain good amounts of Vitamin D...

• egg yolk
• Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel)
• fortified milk
• Fortified Yogurt
• mushroom
• fortified cereals

3. Increasing age

With increasing age, the skin's power to produce Vitamin D starts decreasing. This is the reason why there is more deficiency of Vitamin D in the elderly.

4. Dark Skin

People with dark skin have more melanin. Melanin blocks UVB rays to some extent. Therefore, these people should stay in sunlight to produce maximum Vitamin D.

5. Some diseases

Some health problems can also cause Vitamin D deficiency. As-

• kidney disease
• liver disease
• Celiac Disease
• Crohn's Disease
• some digestive diseases

In these diseases the body is not able to use Vitamin D properly.

6. Obesity

In case of overweight or obesity, Vitamin D can get stored in the fat tissue of the body. Because of this its amount in the blood may decrease.

What are the symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency?

• Always feeling tired.
• Pain in bones.
• Pain in waist or legs.
• Muscle weakness.
• Falling ill again and again.
• Wounds take more time to heal.
• Hair fall.
• Improper development of bones in children.

Which diseases can be caused by Vitamin D deficiency?

If the problem of Vitamin D persists for a long time, many problems may arise. As-

• Osteoporosis (weakening of bones)
• Osteomalacia (fragility of bones in adults)
• Rickets in children
• increased risk of fractures
• muscle weakness

How to overcome Vitamin D deficiency?

We can overcome Vitamin D deficiency by making some changes in our habits in daily life. As -

• Stay in the sun for some time every day. Especially morning sunlight is more beneficial.
• Consumption of food products containing Vitamin D.
• Take Vitamin D supplement as per doctor's advice.
• Do balanced diet and regular yoga.
• Periodic checkup of Vitamin D.

Can I take Vitamin D medicine without checkup?

No. Do not take Vitamin D medicine or high-dose supplements without consulting a doctor. Taking excessive Vitamin D can increase calcium levels in the body. Due to this, kidney stones, vomiting, weakness and other problems can occur.

Content Sources- World Health Organization (WHO), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Mayo Clinic, NHS (UK), MedlinePlus.