Signs & Symptoms Of Vitamin D Deficency

Milk is a source of vitamin D.

We absorb vitamin D naturally from sunshine, exercise and foods rich in calcium such as milk, cheese and fish. Because vitamin D regulates the body's use of calcium--and produces hormones that help direct calcium directly to bones rather than to tissues--people have to take in enough vitamin D to receive the health benefits of calcium. For strong bones and muscles, as well as a tough immune system, check for signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.

Weak Muscles and Bones

For adults, a lack of vitamin D can lead to osteomalacia--softening of the bones. Joint pain, easily broken bones and weak muscles may be signs of low vitamin D intake. However, doctors may attribute them to other causes, such as arthritis, or they may go undetected.

Weak Immune System

If a person seems to catch every flu, cold and cough going around, a poor immune system may be the reason. A vitamin D deficiency can cause low immunity because of the nutrients it gives us to produce antibodies and fight germs. Multivitamins with fish oil effect positive results as do supplements of calcium plus vitamin D.

Migraine Headaches

According to the Be Well Stanford website, Dr. Steve Wheeler presented a study at a 2008 meeting of the American Headache Society that showed a vitamin D deficiency in 42 percent of 55 patients with chronic migraine headaches. Taking vitamin D supplements does not necessarily relieve these painful headaches but could indicate a deficiency that needs to be treated. Increasing cases of vitamin D deficiency may result from widespread use of over-the-counter antacids--the pills reduce stomach acidity but may also obstruct the body's natural absorption of critical vitamins and minerals.

Depression

Vitamin D may have a relationship to depression. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a situational mood disorder, is caused by decreased sunlight in those longer winter months. Missing that daily intake of quality vitamin D in sunlight can take its toll. Upping a dosage of vitamin D during these months proves effective.

Mood Swings

Vitamin D levels are related to melatonin, a mood-regulating hormone. Melatonin helps modulate circadian rhythms, the body's "internal clock" mechanism that tells you when your body needs rest and when it's ready to wake up. Mood swings, insomnia and food cravings result from increased melatonin levels. Sunlight, packed with vitamin D, shuts melatonin production off, and triggers vitamin D to be released into the body. Getting plenty of sunlight, exercise and taking nutritional supplements with vitamin D can help smooth virulent mood swings.

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