In the early 1930s researchers found that diseases of the bone in especially young children could be prevented by using a compound in cod liver oil. It was found that this compound - which later became known as vitamin D - has the ability to boost calcium deposits in the bones. Fortunately, we have an easy source of vitamin D within our reach - our body makes as much as we require! All it needs is sunlight. However, in certain parts of the world, coupled with our lifestyle that keeps us out of direct sunlight to a fair degree, symptoms of low vitamin D do occur.
Additional reasons for low levels of vitamin D in the body is that it is quite a difficult vitamin to obtain nutritionally, and in some cases the body is unable to absorb this vitamin as a the result of another illness. Sometimes hereditary factors can also influence vitamin D uptake.
Fish Vitamins
There are two forms of vitamin D deficiency, the one milder than the other.
The symptoms of low vitamin D include:
* In the case of mild vitamin D deficiency, loss of appetite, weight loss, insomnia, vision problems, and a burning sensation in the mouth and throat may be experienced.
* Muscle pain, fatigue, depression, low immunity and weaker bones are all symptoms of more serious vitamin D deficiencies.
* In severe cases bone diseases can develop - children can develop rickets and adults can develop osteomalacia, or even osteoporosis.
* Non-specific musculoskeletal pain is probably the most common symptom of low vitamin D. A deep throbbing in the limbs is experienced.
* Certain dental problems, including periodontal disease, have been linked to insufficient vitamin d, which leads to insufficient calcium deposits in the teeth.
* Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to certain cancers, e.g. breast, colon and ovarian cancer.
* The immune system is also protected and boosted when the correct level of vitamin D is present; therefore one of the symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency could be a heightened risk of contracting various other diseases to a lowering of the immune system's efficiency.
Groups at risk of experiencing symptoms of low vitamin D
* Breastfed infants - human milk alone does not contain enough vitamin D. Many medical practitioners recommend that babies be supplemented with some vitamin D.
* Older adults cannot synthesize vitamin D as effectively as young adults can, and the kidneys are less able to convert the vitamin to its active form.
* People whose exposure to the sun is limited due to occupation or geographic location.
* Darker skin also reduces the skin's ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight.
* Some people have difficulty to absorb vitamin D due to disease, for instance cystic fibrosis, some forms of liver disease, and Crohn's disease.
* Obesity can lead to a reduced ability to absorb and synthesize vitamin D.
Ensure that some sun exposure is received at least three times a week, and let your body do the work! In certain areas in the world the sun may not be available, especially in the colder areas, and in that case make sure that you supplement your diet with foods rich in vitamin D, like fatty fish, mushrooms, etc. In some cases it might be an excellent idea to invest in some vitamin supplements, to ensure that sufficient amounts of vitamin D are ingested and that you do not experience any of the above mentioned symptoms of low vitamin D. Do not start any vitamin D program without consulting with your doctor.