Research has found that low levels of Vitamin D can play a vital role in joint health and low levels of the vitamin may even increase the risk of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, as well as osteoporosis and other conditions such as gout. A Vitamin D deficiency can also make symptoms worse if you already have one of those conditions so it is something to be avoided at all times. Below are six of the main symptoms of a Vitamin D deficiency and if you experience any of them, it is worth speaking to a specialist about supplements or diet changes.
1. Low Mood
Serotonin is linked closely to Vitamin D and serotonin is the natural brain hormone associated with mood elevation. Low levels of vitamin D can affect your mood adversely, result in low periods or even bouts of depression.
2. 50+
As we age, our skin produced less vitamin D naturally in response to sun exposure and our kidneys also become less efficient at converting this vitamin D into the form your body needs to function effectively. Older adults are also known for spending more time indoors in general and therefore, vitamin D levels are lowered once more. If you feel the other symptoms listed here and are over 50, it is worth checking out your vitamin D levels.
3. Overweight
Vitamin D is fat soluble which means if you carry excess body fat, vitamin D may be swallowed up within it and then your body will need much more vitamin D to function properly. This is also true for people who have high muscle mass and where weight is an issue with vitamin D you can work on reducing it or upping your levels of the vitamin.
4. Sweaty Head
It doesn’t sound attractive and it probably doesn’t feel it either. Sweating from the head is a classic first sign of vitamin D deficiency. Excessive sweating not in line with the temperature or any other related conditions should be investigated as it could be an increase of vitamin D is needed.
5. Intestinal Problems
As mentioned vitamin D is fat soluble so if you live with a condition which makes absorbing fat difficult then you may also have difficult absorbing vitamin D. These conditions include gluten sensitivity, Chrohn’s disease and inflammatory bowel disease and if you have discomfort in your gut that doesn’t add up it is definitely something to get checked out.
6. Aching Bones
Of course living with arthritis and related join pain means you feel the sensation of your bones aching regularly but research suggests that vitamin D deficiency can also contribute to these aches. A lack of vitamin D can stop calcium getting into your bones and creates that painful aching sensation.
Make an appointment to discuss your arthritis
If you have any questions about arthritis or would like to book an appointment with Dr Stephanie Barrett then please get in touch here.
