Vitamin D is important for bones, immunity, and emotional well-being, but many people live with low levels without realizing it. If you experience constant fatigue, muscle discomfort, or mood swings, it's worth seeing a doctor and having your levels of the "sunshine" vitamin checked.
Vitamin D is nicknamed "sunshine" because the body produces most of it under the influence of ultraviolet light. It helps absorb calcium, maintains bone mass, affects muscle strength and the immune system, and is also involved in the regulation of emotions - for example, in the synthesis of serotonin. Natural sources of this element are few: in winter there is not enough light, and nutrition rarely covers the need for vitamin D in full.
Symptoms of deficiency can be subtle or disguised as other problems. A person who sleeps enough but constantly feels tired and lacks energy is suspected of having a low vitamin level. It is also worth paying attention to long-term dull pain in the bones and muscles, weakness or increased vulnerability to injuries - these are frequent companions of deficiency. A noticeable deterioration in mood can also be a sure clue: apathy, irritability or seasonal deterioration in the emotional state are sometimes associated with a lack of the "sunshine" vitamin. Less well-known, but noticeable signs are increased sweating for no apparent reason or brittle bones with frequent fractures, especially if they occur without severe damage.
Some people are at higher risk: residents of regions with few sunny days, those who spend a lot of time indoors, people with darker skin, the elderly, and patients with chronic gastrointestinal disorders. If you notice several symptoms or belong to risk groups, it is wise to consult your family doctor and get a blood test for 25-OH-vitamin D - this is the only reliable way to find out if correction is needed.
Correction depends on the results of the analysis and the doctor's recommendations. It may include moderate exposure to the sun, changing the diet in favor of fatty fish and fortified foods, and in some cases, taking vitamin D preparations in prescribed doses. You should not start high doses on your own: overdose is also harmful. It is especially important to monitor the condition of the elderly to avoid falls and fractures, and in the presence of chronic diseases, to coordinate any therapy with a doctor.
