Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for health. It is known to participate in a wide range of functions associated with immune function, bone health, and mood regulation. Vitamin D ensures strong bones and normal immune functioning for overall good health. Lack of this essential component , especially during winter leads to all sorts of physical and mental health concerns. Here are the most common signs that may indicate a deficiency of vitamin D:

Fatigue and weakness: Feeling tired most of the time even after resting all night long might be caused by a lack of vitamin D. This is the most frequent symptom—the persistence of exhaustion or muscle weakness. You feel weak in muscles that makes even the easy things hard.

Mood changes: According to Dr. Divya Gopal, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, “Low vitamin D levels are associated with mood changes like depression, anxiety, or even irritability. You might just be feeling irrationally low, or perhaps your mood will just shift erratically. Vitamin D is linked to the production of serotonin; deficiency is supposed to cause depression or mood changes.”

Bone ache: The lack of vitamin D causes some sort of aching or pain in the bones or muscles, which can sometimes make you sore, especially on the lower back, hips, and joints. Vitamin D strengthens bones. It can bring pains, aches, or fractures if in lack.

Hair loss and thinning: Severe deficiency has been attributed to hair thinning or loss. Yet more hair falling out or becoming thin can also be seen as a deficiency in vitamin D. Thus, do keep an eye open for changes in the health of your hair.

Frequent infections: According to Dr. Abizer Mankad, Consultant - Internal Medicine, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, “Low Vitamin D levels compromise your immune function and make you easily catch any kind of illness like a cold. Infections tend to easily hit you during times of excessive frequency, hence signifying weakness of your immune system, which in return may cause your body level of vitamin D to be too low.”



Delayed wound healing: Wound healing might take an exaggerated time because it takes far too long in the healing processes and may reflect low levels of vitamin D being distributed to restore tissue. There may be aching or cramping in muscles because of inadequate intake of calcium, a result of low levels of Vitamin D.

Difficulty concentrating: Sometimes known as "brain fog," difficulty focusing or feeling mentally sluggish can be associated with a vitamin D deficiency.

Winter health tips to boost Vitamin D

Getting enough vitamin D during the colder months is challenging, but there are some simple steps to support your health:

Sunlight Exposure: Get outside for at least a little sunlight during the day.

Dietary Sources: Incorporate foods that have vitamin D, such as fatty fish, egg yolk, and milk, and cereals.

Supplements: Supplement with vitamins D but always refer to the doctor because he is supposed to give the proper dose.

Exercise: Maintain a regular physical activity that will enhance vitamin D uptake and your overall health.

Healthy Immunity: Ensure proper immunity by having a balanced diet and sleep. Try to minimize stress.

Stay Hydrated: Make sure you drink heaps of water in order to get hydrated and for health.

You can always manage healthy levels of vitamin D, and therefore also good health, at least during winters, using all these easy methods.