Vitamin D
What Is it?
Vitamin D (also referred to as calciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in a few foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. It is also produced when ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight strike the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis.
Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency
- Fatigue & Weakness: Persistent tiredness and low energy levels.
- Bone & Muscle Pain: Aching bones, joints, and muscles, sometimes with spasms or weakness, especially in the hips/thighs.
- Frequent Illness: A weakened immune system leading to more colds, flu, or infections.
- Mood Changes: Depression, anxiety, irritability, or a generally sour mood.
- Slow Wound Healing: Cuts and bruises taking longer than usual to heal.
- Hair Loss: Thinning hair or significant hair loss.
- Waddling Gait: Muscle weakness in legs/hips causing a waddling walk.
- Sweating: Excessive perspiration, especially on the forehead, can be a sign.
Vitamin D:
Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption in the gut and maintains adequate serum calcium and phosphate concentrations to enable normal bone mineralization and to prevent hypocalcemic tetany (involuntary contraction of muscles, leading to cramps and spasms). It is also needed for bone growth and bone remodeling by osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Without sufficient vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen. Vitamin D sufficiency prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Together with calcium, vitamin D also helps protect older adults from osteoporosis.
Vitamin D has roles in the body, including reduction of inflammation as well as modulation of such processes as cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, and glucose metabolism. Many genes encoding proteins that regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis are modulated in part by vitamin D.
