According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 32 percent of adults and children in the U.S. are vitamin D deficient.
While people get vitamin D from food and sunlight, Dr. Michael Holick, a leading vitamin D researcher, believes that about 50 percent of the general population is at risk of deficiency. This can cause bone pain, muscle weakness, and, in severe cases, can lead to thin, brittle, or misshapen bones. That’s why it’s important we all take steps to make sure we’re getting enough of the vitamin, including being aware of the following seven signs and factors that point to deficiency:
1. Darker Skin
Holick says people with darker skin may need as much as 10 times the sun exposure lighter-skinned people get to obtain the same amount of vitamin D. Skin pigment acts as a natural sunscreen, so more pigment requires more time in the sun. That’s why people with darker skin are at a greater risk of deficiency.
2. You’re Over 65 Years Old
People over 65 also have a higher risk of not getting enough vitamin D because they spend more time indoors and produce less than younger individuals when they’re exposed to the sun.
3. You’re Moody Or Depressed
A group of researchers studied 80 elderly patients. What they found was than patients with the lowest vitamin D levels were 11 times more likely to be depressed than those who had healthy levels.
4. You’re Overweight, Obese, Or Have High Muscle Mass
Vitamin D is fat-soluble, so individuals with a higher percentage of fat in their bodies need more vitamin D than people with a lower fat percentage. This also applies to people with a lot of muscle mass.
5. Aching Bones And Muscles
People with vitamin D deficiency are more likely to have back pain and bone pain in their legs, ribs, or joints compared to those with normal levels of vitamin D.
6. Sweaty Head
Holick says one of the first signs of vitamin D deficiency is a sweaty head.
7. Gastrointestinal Issues
Gastrointestinal issues that affect your body’s ability to store fat could lead to a lower absorption of vitamin D, which, if you’ll remember, is a fat-soluble vitamin.
(via Providr)