8 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency

1/17/2019 8 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency
NUTRITION u Evidence Based
8 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin D

Deficiency
Written by Franziska Spritzler, RD, CDE on July 23, 2018
Vitamin D is an extremely important vitamin that has powerful effects on

several systems throughout your body (1).
Unlike other vitamins, vitamin D functions like a hormone, and every

single cell in your body has a receptor for it.
Your body makes it from cholesterol when your skin is exposed to

sunlight.
It's also found in certain foods such as fatty fish and fortified dairy
products, though it's very difficult to get enough from diet alone.
The recommended daily intake (RDI) is usually around 400–800 IU, but
many experts say you should get even more than that.
Vitamin D deficiency is very common. It's estimated that about 1 billion

people worldwide have low levels of the vitamin in their blood (2).
According to a 2011 study, 41.6% of adults in the US are deficient. This

NEWSLETTER
number goes up to 69.2% in Hispanics and 82.1% in African-Americans (3).
Here are 7 common risk factors for vitamin D deficiency:
Having dark skin.
Being elderly.
Being overweight or obese.
Not eating much fish or dairy.

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Living far from the equator where there is little sun year-round.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-d-deficiency-symptoms 1/14
Always using sunscreen when going out.
Staying indoors.
People who live near the equator and get frequent sun exposure are less
likely to be deficient, as their skin produces enough vitamin D to satisfy
their bodies' needs.
Most people don't realize that they’re deficient, as symptoms are

generally subtle. You may not recognize them easily, even if they’re
having a significant negative effect on your quality of life.
Here are 8 signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.

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1. Getting Sick or Infected Often
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One of vitamin D's most important roles is keeping your immune system
strong so you're able to fight off viruses and bacteria that cause illness.
It directly interacts with the cells that are responsible for fighting infection
(4).
If you often become sick, especially with colds or the flu, low vitamin D
levels may be a contributing factor.
Several large observational studies have shown a link between a

deficiency and respiratory tract infections like colds, bronchitis and
pneumonia (5, 6).
A number of studies have found that taking vitamin D supplements at a

dosage of up to 4,000 IU daily may reduce your risk of respiratory tract
infections (7, 8, 9).
In one study in people with the chronic lung disorder COPD, only those
who were severely deficient in vitamin D experienced a significant benefit
after taking a high-dose supplement for one year (10).
SUMMARY
Vitamin D plays important roles in immune function. One of the
most common symptoms of deficiency is an increased risk of
illness or infections.
2. Fatigue and Tiredness

Feeling tired can have many causes, and vitamin D deficiency may be one
of them.
Unfortunately, it's often overlooked as a potential cause.
Case studies have shown that very low blood levels can cause fatigue
that has a severe negative effect on quality of life (11, 12).
In one case,
READ a woman
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headaches was found to have a vitamin D blood level of only 5.9 ng/ml.
This is extremely low, as anything under 20 ng/ml is considered deficient.
When the woman took a vitamin D supplement, her level increased to 39

ng/ml and her symptoms resolved (12).
However, even blood levels that aren't extremely low may have a
negative impact on your energy levels.
A large observational study looked at the relationship between vitamin D

and fatigue in young women.
The study found that women with blood levels lower than 20 ng/ml or 21–
29 ng/ml were more likely to complain of fatigue than those with blood
levels over 30 ng/ml (13).
Another observational study in female nurses found a strong connection

between low vitamin D levels and self-reported fatigue.
What's more, the researchers found that 89% of the nurses were deficient
(14).
For more information on how to reduce fatigue, consider reading about

the 11 best vitamins and supplements to boost energy.
SUMMARY
Excessive fatigue and tiredness may be a sign of vitamin D
deficiency. Taking supplements may help improve energy levels.
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3. Bone and Back Pain
Vitamin D helps maintain bone health in a number of ways.
For one, it improves your body's absorption of calcium.
Bone pain and lower back pain may be signs of inadequate vitamin D
levels in the blood.
Large observational studies have found a relationship between a

deficiency and chronic lower back pain (15, 16, 17).
One study examined the association between vitamin D levels and back
pain in more than 9,000 older women.
The researchers found that those with a deficiency were more likely to
have back pain, including severe back pain that limited their daily
activities (17).
In one controlled study, people with vitamin D deficiency were nearly

twice as likely to experience bone pain in their legs, ribs or joints
compared to those with blood levels in the normal range (18).
SUMMARY
Low blood levels of vitamin D may be a cause or contributing
factor to bone pain and lower back pain.
4. Depression
A depressed mood may also be a sign of vitamin D deficiency.
In review studies, researchers have linked vitamin D deficiency to

depression, particularly in older adults (19, 20).
In one analysis, 65% of the observational studies found a relationship

between low blood levels and depression.
On the other hand, most of the controlled trials, which carry more
scientific
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the two (19).Effects
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However, the researchers who analyzed the studies noted that the
dosages of vitamin D in controlled studies were often very low.
In addition, they observed that some of the studies may not have lasted
long enough to see the effect of taking supplements on mood.
Some controlled studies have shown that giving vitamin D to people who
are deficient helps improve depression, including seasonal depression
that occurs during the colder months (21, 22).
SUMMARY
Depression is associated with low vitamin D levels and some
studies have found that supplementing improves mood.
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5. Impaired Wound Healing

Slow healing of wounds after surgery or injury may be a sign that your
vitamin D levels are too low.
Results from a test-tube study suggest that the vitamin increases the
production of compounds that are crucial for forming new skin as part of
the wound-healing process (23).
One study on people who had dental surgery found that certain aspects
of healing werecompromised by vitamin D deficiency (24).
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It's also been suggested that vitamin D's role in controlling inflammation
and fighting infection is important for proper healing.
One analysis looked at patients with diabetic foot infections.
It found that those with severe vitamin D deficiency were more likely to
have higher levels of inflammatory markers that can jeopardize healing
(25).
Unfortunately, there is very little research about the effects of vitamin D

supplements on wound healing in people with deficiency at this point.
However, one study found that when vitamin D deficient patients with leg
ulcers were treated with the vitamin, ulcer size reduced by on 28%, on
average (26).
SUMMARY
Inadequate vitamin D levels may lead to poor wound healing
following surgery, injury or infection.
6. Bone Loss
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and bone metabolism.
Many older people who are diagnosed with bone loss believe they need
to take more calcium. However, they may be deficient in vitamin D as well.
Low bone mineral density is an indication that your bones have lost
calcium and other minerals. This places older adults, especially women, at
an increased risk of fractures.
In a large observational study in more than 1,100 middle-aged women in

menopause or postmenopause, researchers found a strong link between
low vitamin D levels and low bone mineral density (27).
However, a controlled study found that women who were vitamin D

deficient experienced no improvement in bone mineral density when they
took high-dose supplements, even if their blood levels improved (28).
Regardless of these
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blood levels within the optimal range may be a good strategy for
protecting bone mass and reducing fracture risk.
SUMMARY
A diagnosis of low bone mineral density may be a sign of vitamin
D deficiency. Getting enough of this vitamin is important for
preserving bone mass as you get older.
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7. Hair Loss
Hair loss is often attributed to stress, which is certainly a common cause.
However, when hair loss is severe, it may be the result of a disease or

nutrient deficiency.
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Hair loss in Effects
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NT Vitamin
linked D vitamin D levels, though there
to low
is very little research on this to date (29).
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease characterized by severe hair

loss from the head and other parts of the body. It's associated with
rickets, which is a disease that causes soft bones in children due to
vitamin D deficiency (30).
Low vitamin D levels are linked to alopecia areata and may be a risk
factor for developing the disease (31, 32, 33).
One study in people with alopecia areata showed that lower vitamin D
blood levels tended to be associated with a more severe hair loss (33).
In a case study, topical application of a synthetic form of the vitamin was

found to successfully treat hair loss in a young boy with a defect in the
vitamin D receptor (34).
Many other foods and nutrients may affect the health of your hair. If you
experience hair loss, you may be interested in the 14 best foods for hair
growth.
SUMMARY
Hair loss may be a sign of vitamin D deficiency in female-pattern
hair loss or the autoimmune condition alopecia areata.
8. Muscle Pain
The causes of muscle pain are often difficult to pinpoint.
There is some evidence that vitamin D deficiency may be a potential

cause of muscle pain in children and adults (35, 36, 37).
In one study, 71% of people with chronic pain were found to be deficient
(37).
The vitamin D receptor is present in nerve cells called nociceptors, which

sense pain.
One READ
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in rats
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to stimulation of nociceptors in muscles (38).
A few studies have found that taking high-dose vitamin D supplements

may reduce various types of pain in people who are deficient (39, 40).
One study in 120 children with vitamin D deficiency who had growing
pains found that a single dose of the vitamin reduced pain scores by an
average 57% (40).
SUMMARY
There is a link between chronic pain and low blood levels of
vitamin D, which may be due to the interaction between the
vitamin and pain-sensing nerve cells.
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The Bottom Line

Vitamin D deficiency is incredibly common and most people are unaware
of it.
That's because the symptoms are often subtle and non-specific, meaning
that it's hard to know if they're caused by low vitamin D levels or
something else.
If you think you may have a deficiency, it's important that you speak to
your doctor and get your blood levels measured.
Fortunately, a vitamin
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You can either increase your sun exposure, eat more vitamin-D-rich
foods, such as fatty fish or fortified dairy products. You can also find a
variety of vitamin D supplements on Amazon.
Fixing your deficiency is simple, easy and can have big benefits for your
health.
Healthline and our partners may receive a portion of revenues if you make a
purchase using a link above.
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1/17/2019 8 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency

NUTRITION u Evidence Based

8 Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is an extremely important vitamin that has powerful effects on

Unlike other vitamins, vitamin D functions like a hormone, and every

Your body makes it from cholesterol when your skin is exposed to

Vitamin D deficiency is very common. It's estimated that about 1 billion

According to a 2011 study, 41.6% of adults in the US are deficient. This

Here are 7 common risk factors for vitamin D deficiency:

Having dark skin.

Being overweight or obese.

Not eating much fish or dairy.

Always using sunscreen when going out.

Most people don't realize that they’re deficient, as symptoms are

Here are 8 signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.

1. Getting Sick or Infected Often

Several large observational studies have shown a link between a

A number of studies have found that taking vitamin D supplements at a

2. Fatigue and Tiredness

Unfortunately, it's often overlooked as a potential cause.

When the woman took a vitamin D supplement, her level increased to 39

A large observational study looked at the relationship between vitamin D

Another observational study in female nurses found a strong connection

For more information on how to reduce fatigue, consider reading about

Vitamin D helps maintain bone health in a number of ways.

For one, it improves your body's absorption of calcium.

Large observational studies have found a relationship between a

In one controlled study, people with vitamin D deficiency were nearly

In review studies, researchers have linked vitamin D deficiency to

In one analysis, 65% of the observational studies found a relationship

5. Impaired Wound Healing

One analysis looked at patients with diabetic foot infections.

Unfortunately, there is very little research about the effects of vitamin D

In a large observational study in more than 1,100 middle-aged women in

However, a controlled study found that women who were vitamin D

Get Answers from a Doctor in Minutes,

ASK A DOCTOR NOW

However, when hair loss is severe, it may be the result of a disease or

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease characterized by severe hair

In a case study, topical application of a synthetic form of the vitamin was

There is some evidence that vitamin D deficiency may be a potential

The vitamin D receptor is present in nerve cells called nociceptors, which

A few studies have found that taking high-dose vitamin D supplements

The Bottom Line

variety of vitamin D supplements on Amazon.

READ THIS NEXT

6 Side Eﬀects of Too Much Vitamin D

9 Healthy Foods That Are High in Vitamin D

Can Vitamin D Help You Lose Weight?

What Vitamin D Dosage Is Best?

How Much Vitamin D is Too Much? The

Is Vitamin D Harmful Without Vitamin K?

7 Nutrient Deﬁciencies That Are Incredibly

Vitamin D 101 — A Detailed Beginner's Guide

9 Reasons to Optimize Your Vitamin D Levels

The Fat-Soluble Vitamins: A, D, E and K

Get our wellness newsletter

Enter your email

Your privacy is important to us

Health News FDA