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Did you know that vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the world? A lack of vitamin D can cause a variety of health problems, including fatigue, depression, and even cancer. In this blog post, we will discuss the many causes of vitamin D deficiency and how to correct it.
Many people are walking around with a vitamin D deficiency and don’t even know it. This is because the symptoms of this deficiency can be confused for other illnesses or issues unless they become severe.
Things like fatigue, anxiety, or depression may be shrugged off as just a symptom of stress in a busy life; that is until the symptoms get extreme. Since so many people are living with a vitamin D deficiency today but have no clue, we wanted to shed some light on this subject to help you become more familiar with what vitamin D deficiency causes.
Why do I need vitamin D and how do I get it?
Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium. Bone is made up of calcium, one of the main components. Vitamin D also has an impact on your nervous, muscular, and immune systems.
Vitamin D is obtained in three ways: through your skin, from food, and by taking supplements. After being exposed to sunshine, your body produces vitamin D naturally. However, excessive sun exposure can cause wrinkles and cancer of the skin, so many people seek to obtain vitamin D from other sources.
Vitamin D is essential for our bodies to function properly. It helps the body absorb calcium, which is necessary for strong bones and teeth. This vitamin also aids in muscle function, nerve function, and cell growth.
A deficiency in vitamin D can cause a variety of health problems, some of which are listed below.
Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of vitamin D deficiency. This is because vitamin D helps the body to convert food into energy. When there is a lack of this vitamin, the body cannot create enough energy, leading to fatigue.
Depression
Depression is another symptom of vitamin D deficiency. This is because vitamin D plays a role in serotonin production. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to an imbalance in serotonin levels, which has been linked to depression.
Cancer
Cancer is another serious health problem that can be caused by vitamin D deficiency. This is because vitamin D helps to protect the body against cell damage. When there is a deficiency in this vitamin, cells are more susceptible to damage, which can lead to cancer.
Not only does vitamin deficiency cause the above health issues, but also vitamin D deficiency can cause a loss of bone density. This means you can start to experience osteoporosis or broken bones easier than you would if you had healthy vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D insufficiency can also lead to other disorders. Rickets is a rare illness in which the bones become soft and bend. Children with darker skin tones are more susceptible to rickets than others because of their darker skin color.
Vitamin D insufficiency in adults causes osteomalacia. Osteomalacia is a disease of the bones that results in brittle bones, bone pain, and muscular fatigue.
Vitamin D has been researched for its potential associations with a variety of health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, and autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
There is much research to be done to confirm all of the symptoms that vitamin D deficiency causes, but we’ll do our best to elaborate on the topic so you can be more prepared to handle the symptoms of this common health issue.
How do you treat vitamin D deficiency symptoms?
You can treat vitamin D deficiency by getting more sunlight exposure or taking a supplement. You can also eat foods that are rich in vitamin D, such as salmon, tuna, eggs, and fortified milk.
Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem, but it’s one that you can easily correct. If you think you may have a vitamin D deficiency, talk to your doctor about getting your levels checked. They can then recommend the best course of treatment for you.
What are the best vitamin D supplements for vitamin D deficiency?
There are a variety of vitamin D supplements available on the market. However, not all supplements are created equal. Some vitamin D supplements are more effective than others.
The best way to find the most effective supplement is to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. They can recommend a supplement that is right for you based on your individual needs.
Image courtesy Elm & Rye
We highly recommended the vitamin D3 capsules from Elm & Rye as a starting point for the best natural remedy to get your levels back to good working order. Elm & Rye doesn’t like to see people suffer unnecessarily, so they have a line of natural supplements that include capsules or gummies to get your health back on track.
While we do love so many of the Elm & Rye supplements, today we’re sharing their D3 capsules and D3 gummies so that you can rest easier knowing you’re taking a GMO-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free D3 supplement for your vitamin D deficiency.
Not all supplements are made equal. Elm & Rye usually submit their products to third-party laboratories for testing and evaluation. Then they make the data public for full transparency.
In all of their products, they only utilize genuine and high-quality components. There are no extra additions, fillers, or fluff in these supplements. These substances work together to produce a superior recipe and approach for your daily routine.
How to Choose the Best D3 Supplement
When you’re looking for a D supplement, make sure to get one that is vitamin D-only. You don’t want a supplement that contains other vitamins and minerals.
You also want to make sure the supplement you choose has vitamin D in the form of cholecalciferol or calcitriol. These are the two forms of vitamin D that are most easily absorbed by the body.
Make sure to take a look at the dosage before you purchase a supplement. The recommended dose of vitamin D is 600 IU per day for adults. However, some people may need more or less depending on their health status.
In addition, you’ll want to consider the following:
Price
When considering a vitamin D supplement, it’s important to consider the price. Not all supplements are created equal, and some are more affordable than others. It’s important to find a supplement that is within your budget and that you can easily stick to.
Convenience
When looking for a vitamin D supplement, it’s important to consider the convenience of taking it. Some supplements are more convenient than others. They may be in the form of a pill, a liquid, or a gummy.
The best supplement for you is one that is easy to take and that you will actually take. It’s important to find a supplement that fits into your lifestyle.
Side effects
Side effects matter for a vitamin D supplement because you want to make sure that you’re taking a supplement that is not only effective but also safe. Not all supplements are created equal, and some may have more side effects than others.
Efficacy
When considering a vitamin D supplement, it is important to consider the efficacy of the supplement. This means that you want to find a supplement that is effective in raising your vitamin D levels. Not all supplements are created equal, and some are more effective than others.
Quality
When considering a vitamin D supplement, it is important to consider the quality of the supplement. This means that you want to find a supplement that is effective in raising your vitamin D levels and that is also safe.
Brand Reputation
When considering a vitamin D supplement, it is important to consider the brand reputation of the supplement. This means that you want to find a supplement that is effective in raising your vitamin D levels and that is also safe.
Who is at risk for vitamin D deficiency health issues?
Some people are at higher risk for vitamin D deficiency, including those who:
Those with Darker Skin Tone
People with darker skin tones are at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency because their skin absorbs less sunlight. This can lead to health issues such as rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults.
Elderly People
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to health issues in both children and adults. In children, vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets, which is a condition that causes the bones to become soft and weak. This can lead to problems such as deformities of the bones and fractures. In adults, vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, which is a condition that causes the bones to become weak and brittle. This can lead to an increased risk of fractures.
Those Who Are Overweight or Obese
People who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency because they have more body fat. This can lead to health issues such as diabetes and heart disease.
Don’t Get Enough Sunlight
People who don’t get enough sunlight are at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency. Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D, so those who spend most of their time indoors are more likely to be deficient. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to health issues such as rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults.
Have Certain Medical Conditions That Restrict Body’s Ability to Absorb Vitamin D
People who have certain medical conditions that restrict the body’s ability to absorb vitamin D are also at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency. These medical conditions include Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, and celiac disease.
Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
Pregnant and breastfeeding women are at risk for vitamin D deficiency because their bodies need more of the vitamin than usual. During pregnancy, the baby’s needs for vitamin D increase, so the mother needs to have enough of the vitamin to meet her own needs and the baby’s.
Breastfeeding mothers also need extra vitamin D to ensure that their babies are getting enough of the vitamin.
Vegans
Vegans are at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency because they don’t consume any animal products, which are a good source of the vitamin. Vitamin D is found in fortified foods such as some types of milk, orange juice, and cereals. Vegans should talk to their healthcare providers about whether they need to take a vitamin D supplement.
Those Who Have had Gastric Bypass Surgery
People who have had gastric bypass surgery are at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency because the surgery can limit the body’s ability to absorb the vitamin from food. Vitamin D is found in fortified foods such as some types of milk, orange juice, and cereals. People who have had gastric bypass surgery should talk to their healthcare providers about whether they need to take a vitamin D supplement.
While everyone is at risk for vitamin D deficiency health issues, there are some people who are more at risk than others. These groups include those with darker skin tones, elderly people, vegans, and those who have had gastric bypass surgery.
Is there anything else I can do to treat what does vitamin D deficiency cause?
Yes, there are a few things you can do to help treat and prevent vitamin D deficiency. Spend time outside in the sun, eat foods that are rich in vitamin D, and take a supplement if necessary.
If your doctor has recommended it, you may also need to receive regular injections of vitamin D. By taking these steps, you can help to ensure that you are getting enough vitamin D and preventing deficiency.
Vitamin D is an important nutrient that helps the body absorb calcium, which is necessary for strong bones and teeth. Deficiency can lead to a number of health problems, so it is important to take steps to prevent it.
Do you have any tips for getting more vitamin D?
There are a few things you can do to get more vitamin D.
First, spend time outside in the sun. This is the best way to get this vitamin because your body produces it when your skin is exposed to sunlight.
Second, eat foods that are rich in vitamin D. Some good options include fatty fish, such as salmon, eggs, and mushrooms.
Third, you can take a supplement. This is a good option if you don’t get enough sun exposure or if you don’t eat enough foods that are rich in vitamin D.
Fourth, get your vitamin D levels checked by a doctor. This is especially important if you think you might be deficient in this vitamin.
Can vitamin D3 help strengthen my muscles and bones?
Yes, vitamin D can help strengthen your muscles and bones. This vitamin is essential for calcium absorption, which is necessary for strong bones. Vitamin D also helps to regulate muscle function.
If you don’t want to take a supplement, you can try exposing your skin to UVB rays for 15 minutes a day. While this is helpful, it may not be a reasonable option for someone who is heavily deficient in vitamin D.
How can I expose my skin to UVB rays when I don’t go outside much?
There are a few ways to do this. You can use a UVB lamp, which is available for purchase online or at some stores. You can also go to a tanning salon that offers UVB rays. Be sure to wear sunscreen, as well, to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
Can I take too much vitamin D?
Yes, you can take too much vitamin D. This can lead to a condition called vitamin D toxicity, which can cause kidney damage and other serious problems. If you take too much vitamin D, be sure to stop taking it and see your doctor right away.
Can stress cause a vitamin D deficiency?
Yes, stress can cause a vitamin D deficiency. This is because when you’re stressed, your body produces a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol can interfere with the absorption of vitamin D and other nutrients.
If you’re constantly stressed, it’s important to take steps to manage your stress so that it doesn’t impact your health. There are a number of ways to do this, such as yoga, meditation, and exercise. You can also talk to your doctor about ways to manage your stress.
Will a D3 Supplement Help Reduce my Stress?
Yes, a vitamin D supplement can help reduce your stress. This is because vitamin D helps to regulate the production of cortisol. If you take a vitamin D supplement, it can help to reduce the amount of cortisol in your body and improve your stress response.
Can vitamin D cause anxiety symptoms?
There is some evidence that vitamin D deficiency can cause anxiety symptoms. A study published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience found that people with vitamin D deficiency were more likely to have anxiety disorders. Another study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, found that vitamin D supplementation could reduce anxiety levels.
If you’re feeling anxious, it’s worth getting your vitamin D levels checked by a doctor. It’s important to note that anxiety can also be caused by many other factors, including stress, genetics, and medical conditions. If you’re feeling anxious, it’s important to talk to a doctor to rule out any other possible causes.
Vitamin D deficiency can also cause other health problems, such as depression, osteoporosis, and heart disease. If you think you might be vitamin D deficient, it’s important to talk to a doctor. Vitamin D supplements are available over the counter, but it’s important to talk to a doctor before taking any supplements.
Final Thoughts on Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D is an important vitamin that your body needs for a number of functions. A deficiency in this vitamin can cause a number of problems, such as weak bones and muscles, a weakened immune system, and depression.
You can get more vitamin D by spending time outside in the sun, eating foods that are rich in vitamin D, taking a supplement, or getting your vitamin D levels checked by a doctor.
Be sure not to take too much vitamin D, as this can lead to toxicity and other serious problems. If you think you might be deficient in this vitamin, talk to your doctor about the best way to get more vitamin D. Once you’ve had your doctor evaluate your vitamin D levels, grab Elm & Rye’s D3 capsules or gummies to start getting your health back under control.
