Why is there such a drive to measure Vitamin D levels?
Vitamin D is essential to almost every one of our body systems. A deficiency can wreak short-term havoc and, if left, has life-threatening consequences.
I will chat with you about 14 signs of vitamin D deficiency in adults that I saw commonly in practice.
Also read my post on Why Is My Vitamin D Low?
14 signs of vitamin D deficiency in adults
1. Recurrent infections
Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is associated with increased infection risk. 1
It supports the immune system in 4 ways: 2
- It strengthens the body’s surface barriers against organisms. This includes the cells that line the skin, mouth, intestines, lungs, and eyes.
- Vitamin D induces immune cells and the barrier surfaces to produce amino acids that fight microbes.
- It stimulates white blood cells: lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes.
- It helps increase anti-inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines are messages that the cells send out to communicate with each other.
2. Hair loss (Alopecia)
It is essential for hair follicle growth. 3,5
96.6% of women with female pattern hair loss were vitamin D deficient.
Studies confirm that vitamin D levels are also low in other common forms of hair loss. 5
- Alopecia areata, which is a circular patch of hair loss.
- Telogen effluvium is hair loss that is a self-limiting reaction to an incident. Usually, three months after the trigger.
Supplementation is not necessarily a successful treatment for alopecia. This is one of those situations where prevention is better than cure.
3. Depression and anxiety
There is a correlation between mood disorders and low vitamin D. 7,18
The brain contains vitamin D receptors, particularly in areas linked to depression. 9 It has also been shown that oxidative stress and inflammation cause mood disorders. 9 Vitamin D has potent anti-inflammatory effects.
The brain has an enzyme that produces the hormone calcitriol, the most active form of vitamin D. 9
Calcitriol keeps brain neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenalin) optimal by 6.7
- Stimulating their formation
- Preventing their breakdown
It could also be a ‘chicken or the egg situation.’ Depressed and anxious people might avoid participating in outdoor activities and might have sub-optimal diets, thus resulting in VDD.
4. Poor memory
Vitamin D receptors are all over the brain and are considered nerve-protective. Calcitriol, discussed above, reduces the protein buildup that causes Alzheimer’s dementia. 6
Studies have shown that increased vitamin D preserves memory and primary brain function in the elderly 8 Deficiencies lead to memory loss and confusion. 10
5. Sleep problems
Many types of insomnia are associated with low vitamin D, although it is not 100% clear why.
One theory is about sunlight. Vitamin D production and circadian rhythm rely on sunlight. There are vitamin D receptors in the brain area that regulate sleep. 12
It is also involved in melatonin production, the sleep hormone. 12
6. Fatigue
Fatigue, exhaustion, and tiredness are common complaints in GP practice patients.
“Very often, VDD or insufficiency were the only abnormalities I could find in otherwise healthy patients. Replacement restored energy levels. I was always curious if it was a placebo effect.”
A trial has confirmed the link between the two. 11
7. Broken bones
The most well-known association is between vitamin D and bone health.
It is essential for calcium absorption from the intestine. If there is a deficiency, blood calcium levels drop, and the body takes calcium from bones to normalize the levels. This leaves the bones fragile.19,20
This disease is known as osteoporosis.
8. Weight gain
Another what-came-first situation.
The fact is that increased body mass index (BMI) is associated with vitamin D deficiency.
- Is it because vitamin D is fat-soluble, stored in the fat deposits, and less is available?
- It could also be that normal-weight patients are more active outdoors and get sun exposure, making normal vitamin D levels a healthy lifestyle indicator. 14
- Or does low vitamin D cause obesity?
“Whatever the relationship is, always check vitamin D levels with high BMI.”
Does taking vitamin D aid weight loss? A trial by Z. Khosravi and associates showed that high-dose vitamin D supplementation for six weeks significantly reduced weight in overweight women. 15 Other studies show no difference. It is worth a try.
9. Skin aging
The skin is the body’s largest organ. It is the most important source of vitamin D. It also needs vitamin D to thrive. It’s a delicate balance.
Skin needs UVB light to form vitamin D, but UVB light damages the skin; it causes aging and skin cancer. 3 Use sunblock when outside.
10. Skin cancer
This is a puzzle. Skin cancer develops without the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, DNA-protective, and DNA-repair effects of vitamin D. 3 But vitamin D production requires time in UVB light.
How do you win?
A study on whether sunscreen reduces vitamin D production showed a low risk. 4 So, don’t be afraid to cream up before heading outdoors.
11. High sugar levels
Studies link VDD to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Vitamin D
- stimulates pancreatic insulin secretion,
- helps regulate fat cell (adipocyte) function in storing and releasing energy, and
- has anti-inflammatory effects. 17
It is a known risk factor for metabolic syndrome. 20
12. High blood pressure
“Hypertension is the main preventable cause of premature death and disability in the world.”
Katherine Mills et al.
Vit D deficiency is a known risk factor for high blood pressure. 20
It has various actions that keep blood pressure stable. 16
- It prevents artery walls from thickening.
- It keeps the clever RAAS system in check by lowering angiotensin 2 levels. Fancy medical terms that you do not necessarily need to understand.
- Low vitamin D also contributes to metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, both of which cause hypertension. 16,17,20
13. Muscle weakness and pain
Muscle formation needs vitamin D. It also acts directly on the muscle fibers, aiding function and helping nerve and muscle communication. 21 Therefore, VDD causes weakness, poor coordination and posture, and increased falls.
Other muscular manifestations of vitamin D deficiency are headaches, generalized musculoskeletal pain, inflammatory myositis, and fibromyalgia. 18
14. Back and neck pain
Especially lower back pain.
One study showed that the more severe the pain, the more likely deficiency is. 19
Vitamin D is important for muscle strength. The cause of the back and neck pain is muscle weakness. 18 Weak muscles around the spine can lead to slipped or herniated discs, making pain worse. 19
Summary
- Get your vitamin D tested early in adulthood.
- Prevention is key. You want to avoid developing these 14 signs of vitamin D deficiency.
- Many have significant implications and cannot necessarily be reversed by vitamin D supplementation.
