Vitamin D is an important vitamin that helps the body to regulate calcium and phosphate minerals, according to the NHS.
The nutrients are needed to help keep your bones, teeth and muscles healthy.
Not getting enough of the ‘sunshine’ vitamin could cause bone deformities and pain, it said.
During the autumn and winter months, adults may consider taking vitamin D supplements to boost their intake, as daylight hours dwindle.
Vitamin D deficiency symptoms can be very subtle. These are the warning signs to look out for.
Bone loss
“Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption and bone metabolism,” said nutritionist Franziska Spritzler.
“Many older women who are diagnosed with bone loss believe they need to take more calcium.
“However, they may be deficient in vitamin D as well.”
A low bone mineral density may be a sign of a deficiency, and should be checked by a doctor.
Slow wound healing
If a cut or sore takes an abnormally long time to heal, it could be due to a vitamin D deficiency, the nutritionist said.
Vitamin D stimulates production of compounds that are crucial for forming new skin, a study claimed.
A deficiency in the vitamin could also lead to high levels of inflammation, that could prevent proper healing.
Hair loss
Hair loss could be a sign of a vitamin D deficiency, according to Spritzler.
“Hair loss may be a sign of vitamin D deficiency in female-pattern hair loss or the autoimmune condition alopecia areata.”
Back pain
Not having enough vitamin D in the blood could be causing your lower back pain.
“Vitamin D is involved in maintaining bone health through a number of mechanisms.
“For one, it improves your body’s absorption of calcium.
“Bone pain and lower back pain may be signs of inadequate vitamin D levels in the blood.”
Fatigue
Excessive fatigue and tiredness could indicate that you need to boost your vitamin D intake.
“Feeling tired can have many causes and vitamin D deficiency may be one of them,” said Spritzler.
“Unfortunately, it’s often overlooked as a potential cause.”
