Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms May be Subtle

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Could You Suffer From a Vitamin D Deficiency?

I was very surprised when my own doctor told me that my last blood test showed that I was deficient in vitamin D. I take an over 50 vitamin supplement, and had never considered this myself. Rather than being satisfied with 1,000 IU which was in my multi-vitamin (and is 4x the RDA), I was advised to take 5,000 IU. So now, along with my regular vitamin supplement, I take another small white pill to boost up my vitamin D levels.

I am not alone in getting this recommendation, and one recent US study suggested that 3/4 of Americans need to take supplements.

What is Vitamin D?

This vitamin is actually a hormone. It is naturally found in some foods like fish, eggs, and fortified milk. Our bodies can synthesize it in the present of sunlight. But these days, when we take care to cover exposed skin with sunscreen, or do not spend a lot of time outside, it may be very common to lack enough of this essential nutrient.

Why is Vitamin D Important?

The following comes from the Mayo Clinic.

The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones. Recently, research also suggests vitamin D may provide protection from osteoporosis, hypertension (high blood pressure), cancer, and several autoimmune diseases.

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Rickets and osteomalacia are classic vitamin D deficiency diseases. In children, vitamin D deficiency causes rickets, which results in skeletal deformities. In adults, vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteomalacia, which results in muscular weakness in addition to weak bones. Populations who may be at a high risk for vitamin D deficiencies include the elderly, obese individuals, exclusively breastfed infants, and those who have limited sun exposure. Also, individuals who have fat malabsorption syndromes (e.g., cystic fibrosis) or inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn’s disease) are at risk.

New Research on Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency

Beyond the common and established medical concerns, new research suggests a correlation between low vitamin D levels and many common problems of aging. In recent studies, a low level of the nutrient has been found in the blood of people with a variety of health, and even metal health, issues. These range from heart disease to cancer. Some studies are demonstrating a link between low vitamin D and autism.

Some Subtle Signs of Low Vitamin D Levels

• Muscle and Bone Weakness, Aches and Pains
• Urgent Need to Urinate
• Cognitive Impairments
• Obesity – Yes, overweight people tend to have low levels of Vitamin D

The current RDA is about 200 IU. Many medical experts are advising people to supplement with many times that amount or more!  Aging people may need more than younger people too. Your family doctor can perform a blood test and give you more advice if you have questions.

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