Insomnia

Vitamin D deficiency can affect sleep quality, leading to daytime fatigue. Inflammation and nerve conduction disorders associated with vitamin D deficiency can reduce energy levels, contributing to tiredness.

Muscle and joint pain

Low vitamin D levels lead to inflammation. Inflammation occurs when the body releases chemicals to activate an immune response to fight harmful agents or heal damaged tissue. Inflammation causes various symptoms, and vitamin D deficiency often manifests as muscle and joint pain.

Depressed mood

A person's mood is affected by the balance of neurotransmitters (chemicals that transmit signals between nerves) in the body. Vitamin D deficiency leads to an imbalance in the neurotransmitters that regulate mood, increasing the risk of depression. Seasonal affective disorder, which causes depression, is linked to reduced exposure to sunlight. The body produces vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight.

Rickets in children

Bone formation during childhood depends on adequate vitamin D intake. Children who don't get enough vitamin D in their early years can develop rickets, characterized by bone deformities, brittle bones, weak teeth, and muscle aches.

Fractures

Vitamin D is essential for bone health, even in adulthood. Adults with vitamin D deficiency can develop osteoporosis, a condition marked by reduced bone density. This condition is often asymptomatic but increases the risk of fractures, even from minor impacts.

Weakened immunity

Vitamin D helps regulate the immune system. A weakened immune system can make the body more susceptible to frequent or severe infections. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which causes coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and reduced overall energy, can increase the risk of infections and is often associated with vitamin D deficiency.

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic neurological condition caused by inflammatory processes that affect brain and spinal cord function. People with limited sun exposure have a higher risk of developing this disease.

Heart disease

Inflammation caused by vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of heart disease, negatively impacting blood vessel health and heart muscle function. The effects of vitamin D deficiency vary with age.

Besides sun exposure, individuals can consume salmon, tuna, sardines, herring, egg yolks, animal liver, mushrooms, and milk to supplement their vitamin D intake.

Le Nguyen (According to Very Well Health)