Lifestyle

8 signs you lack Vitamin D

Staff Correspondent
Foods high in Vitamin D. File photo
Foods high in Vitamin D. File photo

As one of the important nutrients for the body, Vitamin D provides you with strong bones, cheerful mood, good mental health and even efficient weight loss.

But one problem with this nutrient is its very quiet nature in signaling you its lack in your body.

Foods rich in Vitamin D. File photo

Women's Health has come up with eight signs that you're low on the nutrient. If you notice one or more of these signs, consult your physician to get your blood tested but do not start taking supplements without your doctor's prior suggestion as excessive intake of vitamin D might have health hazards.

8 signs you need more Vitamin D:

Muscle Weakness

Muscle weakness may be result of low level of Vitamin D in body. File photo

Getting low on Vitamin D can make your muscle weak reports Women's Health quoting Kimberly Mueller, RD, owner of Fuel Factor Nutrition Coaching. So if you notice that you cannot make a certain move you have done always while exercising or doing daily activities, that may be a sign you need more vitamin D.

Sleepiness

Sleepiness is another sign that shows your body lacks Vitamin D. File photo

If you are feeling drowsy at your office or home while working you may have a low level of Vitamin D in your body, according to study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine in 2012.

Bad Temper

Your petulant behaviour indicates that you are running low of Vitamin D. File photo

You may blame your pre menstrual syndrome (PMS) for the grouchiness you are recently going through. But keep in mind that D affects the levels of serotonin in your brain—which also impacts your mood.

Sadness

Women with low levels of Vitamin D are twice as likely to combat depression. File photo

Womenwith low levels of Vitamin D are twice as likely to combat depression, says a study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

Lack of Energy

Decreased endurance may be caused by low level of Vitamin D. File photo

Some studies have shown reduced aerobic capacity and overall endurance in women with low vitamin D levels, says Mueller.

Greater Pain Sensitivity

If you lack Vitamin D, you are likely to suffer from chronic pain. File photo

Insufficient levels of vitamin D have been linked to chronic pain. So continuous pain in any part of your body signs D's lack.

High Blood Pressure

Your BP may be on rise due to inadequate Vitamin D in your body. File photo

Vitamin D keeps your heart healthy, helping to regulate blood pressure. So when you don't get enough, your blood pressure can be up.

Stress Fractures

Vitamin D enhances bone growth. But when you're low in the nutrient, your bones become weakened. File photo

Vitamin D enhances bone growth. But when you're low in the nutrient, your bones become weakened, meaning your risk for stress fractures increases, says Mueller.

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