Vitamin D is essential for the body. However, vitamin D deficiency is common. How to recognize a deficiency and how to combat it.
Berlin – Especially in the dark winter months, there is often a vitamin D deficiency. Because the body absorbs vitamin D not only through food, but mainly through sunlight. About 80 to 90 percent are formed by the body itself when UVB radiation hits the skin. What symptoms might be signs of a vitamin D deficiency.
Which signals indicate a vitamin D deficiency: tiredness and frequent illness
According to focus.de, a vitamin D deficiency has a negative effect on the immune system and the body’s defences. Vitamin D reacts with the cells that make up the immune system. colds, flu, Fever, allergies, asthma and eczema are just a few of more than 80 diseases that can be caused by problems with immune function. In any case, the immune system is weakened because it has to be restarted following the corona pandemic.
According to focus.de, studies have also shown that there is a connection between vitamin D deficiency and fatigue – especially in women. The reason: Vitamin D increases the energy level and keeps you active for a long time. So if you’re feeling exhausted in the middle of the day, it might be a sign of a deficiency.
Other signals that signal a vitamin D deficiency: bone damage and hair loss
Weak bones are also another sign that vitamin D levels in the blood are too low. This increases the risk of fractures and other injuries. Vitamin D helps the body build strong bones and keep them healthy.
Affected people who suffer from vitamin D deficiency often have severe hair loss. Although hair breakage and hair loss are often attributed to stress, it has been proven that too little vitamin D can also lead to severe hair loss. A study has shown that there may even be a link between vitamin D deficiency and the autoimmune disease alopecia.
Not enough vitamin D in the body: How muscles might indicate a deficiency
If wound healing is not working properly, this might also indicate a vitamin D deficiency. The body has self-healing mechanisms that help to restore health in the event of illness and to quickly close wounds. If even small ones heal extremely slowly, this can indicate a vitamin D deficiency. In the worst case, a vitamin D deficiency can stop the healing process. Vitamin D plays a significant role in fighting infection and inflammation and ensuring rapid healing.
Extreme muscle pain might also be a sign of insufficient vitamin D. According to focus.de, this was the result of a study. There also appears to be a link between chronic muscle pain and low vitamin D levels, which researchers are currently investigating more closely.
Vitamin D deficiency: Pills and talking to the doctor can help
If you have several symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency, it is advisable to talk to your doctor. If necessary, the doctor can prove the deficiency with a blood test and then make a recommendation. Long walks in the sun can help with vitamin D deficiency, but especially in the winter months in Germany the sun often does not shine long enough to replenish the vitamin D balance. A substitution with over-the-counter vitamin D tablets can help. Again, the doctor can help you with the right dosage.
