Vitamin D deficiency warning – when your tiredness could be something serious

Vitamin D is crucial to the overall health of the body, as it helps to keep muscles, bones and teeth healthy, said the NHS. The vitamin is needed to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. A lack of vitamin D can lead to serious complications, including osteomalacia, rickets, or some deformities. You could be at risk of a vitamin D deficiency if you are constantly feeling tired, it’s been revealed.

Many people with a vitamin D deficiency may have no symptoms

Medical News Today

Most people feel tired at some point if they aren’t getting enough sleep, or if they’re spending a lot of time at work.

But, your fatigue could be caused by a vitamin D deficiency if you’re still feeling tired despite having plenty of sleep, said medical website Medical News Today.

It’s likely to be caused by the condition if it’s accompanied by muscle weakness and chronic pain, it added.

“Vitamin D deficiency occurs when a person either does not consume enough vitamin D or when their body cannot absorb and metabolise the vitamin D they do consume,” it said.

“Many people with a vitamin D deficiency may have no symptoms or may go many years without experiencing symptoms.

“The symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can be vague, may change over time, and are similar to symptoms of a wide range of ailments.

“People who experience symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, or who have unexplained illnesses or nutritional deficiencies, should request a test for vitamin D deficiency.

“Some symptoms of a deficit in vitamin D include exhaustion, even with enough sleep.”

Exhaustion, or feeling tired all the time, is one of the most common reasons for people to see their GP, added the NHS.

Other than a vitamin D deficiency, it could be caused by stress, emotional shock or anxiety.

You should speak to a doctor if your tiredness goes on for a long time, or if it’s affecting your every day life.

The most common vitamin D deficiency symptoms include feeling very tired, getting sick more often than normal, and having a number of aches and pains.

But you could top up on vitamin D by taking supplements. During the winter months, it’s recommended that everyone takes a 10mcg supplement every day.

That’s because the sun isn’t strong enough for the body to naturally make enough vitamin D.

Alternatively, you could try adding more vitamin D-rich foods to your diet. The best food sources of vitamin D include oily fish, eggs, mushrooms, and some fortified products.

Speak to a doctor if you’re worried about the signs or symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency.

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