Vitamin D is a very important nutrient. We often call it the “sunshine vitamin” because our bodies make it when we’re in the sun.
But, a lot of people don’t get enough Vitamin D. When this happens, it’s called a Vitamin D deficiency. Let’s find out what this means.
Vitamin D deficiency means your body doesn’t have enough Vitamin D.
This can happen if you don’t get enough sun, if your diet lacks Vitamin D, or if your body has trouble using Vitamin D. A 2012 study found that about 1 in 5 people in the US have low Vitamin D levels.
Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency: Backed by Science
Tiredness
Vitamin D is important for energy. If you’re low on Vitamin D, you might feel tired all the time. A 2014 study found that people with low Vitamin D often feel fatigued.
Bone and Back Pain
Vitamin D is needed for healthy bones. If you’re low on Vitamin D, you might have bone or back pain.
A 2013 research study showed that people with low Vitamin D often have bone pain.
Depression
Vitamin D is good for our mood. If you’re low on Vitamin D, you might feel sad or depressed. A 2013 review found that people with low Vitamin D were more likely to be depressed.
Slow Healing
Vitamin D helps wounds heal. If you’re low on Vitamin D, wounds might heal slowly. A 2015 study found that low Vitamin D can slow down wound healing.
How to Prevent Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency is common. But, it can be prevented. Here are some tips:
Get Some Sun: Sunlight helps our body make Vitamin D. Try to spend some time in the sun each day.
Eat Vitamin D Foods: Foods like fish, egg yolks, and Vitamin D fortified milk can boost your Vitamin D levels.
Take a Supplement: If you can’t get enough Vitamin D from sun or food, a supplement can help. Ask your doctor about it.
The Importance of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is very important. It keeps our bones healthy. It gives us energy. It keeps our mood up. It helps wounds heal. When we don’t have enough Vitamin D, we can feel tired, have bone pain, feel depressed, and heal slowly.
But, the good news is, Vitamin D deficiency can be prevented. Sunlight, Vitamin D foods, and supplements can all help. If you think you might be low on Vitamin D, talk to your doctor. They can do a simple test to check your Vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D is vital for our health. It’s called the sunshine vitamin for a reason. Sunlight is a great source of Vitamin D.
But, in today’s busy world, not everyone gets enough sun. That’s where Vitamin D foods and supplements come in. They can help fill in the gap.
So, next time you’re feeling tired, or if your bones hurt, or if you’re feeling down, it might be because you’re low on Vitamin D. Remember, the sunshine vitamin is just a sunny day or a Vitamin D food away.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies about how the Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about plant nutrients that could help reduce high blood pressure, and these antioxidants could help reduce dementia risk.
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