Is it Low Vitamin D?

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of calcium in your blood and bones and in building and maintaining bones. It is fat-soluble and can be obtained from dietary sources. There is more to Vitamin D than just sunshine. It is also crucial for endocrine health. Low levels may be at the root of autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Graves' Disease. Low levels of Vitamin D are common globally. While 50 percent of people worldwide have low levels, approximately 35 percent of adults in the US do as well.

Some symptoms of low-level Vitamin D and health effects are:

1. Fatigue and tiredness, persistent low energy

2. Frequent infections, lowered immune defense

3. Impaired wound healing, slow recovery rate

4. Bone erosion, reduced bone density

5. Weight gain, metabolism-regulating issues

6. Cardiovascular issues, greater risk for heart disease

7. Respiratory problems, lung health impact

8. Bone pain and muscle weakness

9. Depression, a mood disorder

10. Hair loss, thinning, slow hair growth

11. Muscle pain, an increase in pain sensitivity

12. High blood pressure, elevated pressure risk

13. Cognitive impairment, memory function decline

14. Increased risk of chronic diseases, higher disease susceptibility

Medications can also cause a Vitamin D deficiency. Such as:

• Laxatives

• Steroids (prednisone)

• Cholesterol-lowering drugs

• Seizure-preventing drugs

• Rifampin (TB)

• Orlistat (weight loss)

Gastric bypass can also inhibit the absorption of Vitamin D, along with certain nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, because of the smaller stomach and/or bypass of your small intestines.

Foods that naturally have Vitamin D are:

• Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines

• Rainbow trout

• Beef (cow) liver

• Mushrooms

• Egg yolks

• Cod liver oil

Foods that often contain Vitamin D are:

• Cow's milk, soy, almond, and oat milk

• Breakfast cereals

• Orange juice

• Other dairy products, such as yogurt

The main causes of Vitamin D deficiency are not getting enough Vitamin D from your diet and from sunlight. Also, if your body isn't properly absorbing or using it.

Medical conditions that cause a deficiency include:

• Cystic fibrosis

• Weight-loss surgeries

• Certain medications

Several biological and environmental factors can also contribute to an increased risk of developing low Vitamin D levels, such as aging and the amount of melanin (pigment) in the skin.

Obesity, defined as a BMI greater than 30, is associated with lower Vitamin D levels. Fat cells keep Vitamin D isolated so that it's not released. People with obesity usually require a larger dose to reach and maintain normal levels.

Vitamin D from sunlight actually does this:

• Relieves pain

• Helps regulate hormones

• Strengthens bones

• Improves the immune system

• Enhances nutrient absorption

• Improves sleep

• Regulates your circadian rhythm

• Heals wounds

• Fights depression

• Boosts serotonin

• Lowers blood pressure

• Increases energy

Vitamin D acts as a hormone precursor that regulates multiple hormones and influences calcium metabolism, thyroid function, reproductive health, and overall endocrine balance.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency, it's worth asking your physician to check your levels at your next appointment.

*Levels below 20 ng/mL are considered low. Optimal levels are considered to be between 40-60 ng/mL.