Vitamin D Deficiency: A Major Issue the World Is Sleeping On

Okay, let’s talk about the sunshine vitamin. Yep, Vitamin D is the one we all casually assume we’re getting enough of because “Hey, I went out for five minutes yesterday” or because of the small breaks you take in the office and bask in the sun like a reptile.

Hate to break it to you, but unless you’re sunbathing like a lazy cat or popping those tiny supplements like candy, chances are you’re part of the D-ficient club.

But hold on, what does Vitamin D EVEN do?

Imagine vitamin D as your body’s friendly backstage crew. You don’t see them, but without them, the whole show—your immune system, your bones, and your mood—starts falling apart.

It helps absorb calcium (so your bones don't get wobbly like jelly), keeps your immune system alert (we don't want it dozing off, trust me), and may even help with mood regulation (hello, darkness, my old friend).

Now, let me be clear: Vitamin D doesn’t segregate children and adults. So everyone is likely to suffer from it.

Symptoms in children include -

• Muscle weakness

• Bone pain

• Joint deformities

• Disrupted growth patterns due to bone-bent

• Fatigue

• Regular infections

• Slow wound healing

Symptoms in adults include -

• Muscle pain

• Bone pain

• Tiredness

• Weight gain

• Mood changes (such as anxiety or depression)

• Hair loss

• Back pain

Several factors can lead to Vitamin D deficiency, some of which could even be appalling, like how on Earth is this POSSIBLE?

For example, did you know that people who have darker skin tones are more likely to suffer from Vitamin D deficiency? Yep, that glazing beautiful skin tone just doesn’t cooperate with Vitamin D.

Other factors include -

Not getting enough Vitamin D in your food/diet - If your meals skip dairy, fish, or vegetables such as broccoli, you’re missing key vitamin D sources.

The body isn’t absorbing it properly - Sometimes your gut isn’t doing it the right way, and vitamin D slips through.

Weight loss surgeries - These surgeries can mess with nutrient absorption, vitamin D being one of the most common victims.

People aged 65 and above - As we age, our skin gets slower at making vitamin D from sunlight - how annoying!

Less sunlight exposure (ones living in a region that has little sunlight)- If you live in a gloomy place or decide to coil up and avoid the sun like a vampire (Count Orlok), your supply of vitamin D is struggling.

Certain medications - Some medicines alter how your body processes vitamin D, and these side effects aren’t really warned to us.

Babies who are breastfeeding - Breast milk is magical, but definitely low in vitamin D unless the mom’s is solid. Besides, if you think about it, how can the baby get good vitamin D since it cannot munch on solid foods yet?

Overweight or obesity - Fat cells love to hoard vitamin D, making less of it available in your body.

Medical conditions such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, kidney disease, or liver disease - For example, kidney helps activate vitamin D in your body, if the kidney isn’t functioning well, neither is your vitamin D supply.

Ideally, Vitamin D deficiency is treated by supplements, which your healthcare provider will suggest to you. But there are other home remedies to use if you don’t want to rely on the pills completely, such as -

• Fresh juice (oranges are go too)

• Egg yolks

• Yoghurt

• Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel)

• Beef liver

• Milk

• Mushrooms

• Spinach

• Okra

The goal of the treatment is to reach the right amount of Vitamin D in your body and then maintain the same level in your body.

Vitamin D might not be as glamorous as a green smoothie or as trendy as collagen, but trust me, it's your silent, sturdy bestie from childhood. So, the next time you’re lounging indoors with curtains drawn, remember - the sun’s not just for plants and beach selfies. It’s for your little survival as well.

Now go get yourself a dose of sunshine; you may be looking a little deficient.

Can too much vitamin D be harmful?

Yes, overdoing supplements can cause nausea, kidney problems, and calcium buildup. Stick to your doctor’s recommendations.

Are supplements safe and effective?

Absolutely yes, when taken as instructed. They are often the easiest way to regain vitamin D if the foods aren't helping.

How is vitamin D deficiency diagnosed?

A simple blood test taken by your doctor can determine if you suffer from vitamin D deficiency or not.

Are there any possible complications of vitamin D deficiency?

Yes, some of them are rickets in children, osteomalacia, low blood calcium levels, and low blood phosphate levels.

Who is at more risk for vitamin D deficiency?

There are various factors that can lead to the risk of developing vitamin D deficiency such as your age because older people struggle to make vitamin D, or dark melanin-toned people face challenges in making vitamin D from sunlight compared to light-colored, and finally those who are homebound, or work from home and dismiss the idea of going out in the sun.