7 Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency You Should Be Aware Of

May 02, 2018

Until recently, the technology and funding wasn’t available to test for a vitamin D deficiency. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found in their research that 32% of people in the US were vitamin D deficient, according to Dr. Michael Holick, one of the leading vitamin D researchers. It is becoming clear that people in the US need to be aware of what to look for. There could be many people that are vitamin D deficient without even knowing it. In fact, Dr. Holick estimates about 50% of the general population is at risk of being vitamin D deficient.

While a blood test is the only definitive way to test for vitamin D deficiency, it is good to be aware of the signs and symptoms before you go in to see your doctor. 

Darker Skin: The sun is a great way to get vitamin D. However, if your skin is darker, it naturally protects you from the rays of the sun and you might not get as much vitamin D as you think. You will need more time in the sun to obtain vitamin D.

You Are Feeling Down: According to The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, depression or feeling down is a symptom of a vitamin D deficiency. They studied 80 elderly patients and found that the lower the vitamin D in their blood work, the more likely they were depressed. In fact, they were 11 times more likely to have depression.

You’re Over 50: About 95% of senior citizens are estimated to be vitamin D deficient according to the International Society for Clinical Densitometry. When they are outdoors, they produce less vitamin D than someone younger. If you are over the age of 70, you produce 30% less than someone younger.

Overweight or High Muscle Mass: According to Dr. Holick, vitamin D actually is collected by the body. It is fat-soluble, so the heavier your are or the more muscle you have, the more vitamin D you will need. Your body absorbs it. 

Your Bones Hurt: While aching bones can be a symptom of many different diseases and disorders, there is a chance it could be treated by simply getting more vitamin D. So make sure to ask your doctor for a vitamin D blood test just to be sure!

Sweaty Head: One of the first signs of a vitamin D deficiency is excessive sweating especially on the head. It was one of the first things doctors used to ask mothers of newborns to check for a vitamin D deficiency. 

Problems with Your Gut: Because vitamin D is fat-soluble, a problem with your digestive system could result in a vitamin D deficiency. Celiacs disease, a gluten sensitivity, Crohn’s disease and IBS are common conditions that can effect your absorption of vitamin D. 

Common sources of vitamin D are grains, orange juice, yogurt, pork, eggs, and salmon. Fruits and vegetables can also be a great source of vitamin D. However, make sure to check with your doctor if you have any of the symptoms above. If you have a vitamin D deficiency, it can be an easy fix to many problems. 


Have you experienced any of the problems above? You may be vitamin D deficient. Let us know what you think!

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!