Symptoms And Health Risks Of Vitamin D Deficiency
However, for many people, the symptoms are subtle. Yet, even without symptoms, too little vitamin D can pose health risks.
What Is Vitamin D?
It is present in a small number of foods, including fortified products.
When vitamin D enters the body, it is not in an active form. To use it, the body needs to convert it to an active form called 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] or calcidiol. However, in a 2019 study , 2,423 people at risk of type 2 diabetes took either a vitamin D supplement of 4,000 international units (IU) a day or a placebo.
However, taking the supplement did not appear to reduce the risk of diabetes developing.
What Are Some Common Symptoms Of Vitamin D Deficiency?
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include bone pain, muscle weakness, fatigue, and mood changes, according to the Cleveland Clinic. While many factors can influence those symptoms, if you haven’t changed your lifestyle recently, such conditions may be signs of vitamin D deficiency.
If you fit this description, consider voicing your concerns to your primary care provider or a registered dietitian. “Because vitamin D isn’t found in a lot of foods, and sun exposure may be limited depending on where you live, I recommend everyone get their vitamin D levels checked at their annual checkup,” says Anzlovar.
What Are The Symptoms Of Vitamin D Deficiency?
However, he also points out that the immediate the signs aren’t always noticeable in adults, until the deficiency is severe.