When the level of vitamin D in your body is too low can cause your bones to become thin, brittle or misshapen.
Vitamin D also appears to play a role in insulin resistance, high blood pressure and immune function and how this relates to heart disease and cancer, but this is still being investigated.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 32% of children and adults throughout the US were vitamin D deficient and this is grossly underestimated as they used vitamin D levels that were not consistent with optimal health.
Researchers such as Dr. Michael Holick, MD, author of “The Vitamin D Solution” and professor of medicine, physiology and biophysics at Boston University Medical Center, estimate that 50 percent of the general population is at risk of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency.
The only way to know for sure if you’re vitamin D deficient is via blood testing. However, there are some signs and symptoms to be aware of as well.
If any of the following apply to you, you should get your vitamin D levels tested sooner rather than later:
Psoriasis
This extremely common skin issue is an autoimmune disorder that many don’t realize can be vitamin D related. This nutrient plays an important role in the treatment of psoriasis.
Psoriasis gets worse over time and spreads, so even if you only have a little spot on your elbow or knee, get your vitamin D levels checked and be sure to be taking a daily dose of fermented cod liver oil.
Head Sweating
Sweaty forehead is one of the first noticeable symptoms. Physicians used to ask new mothers about head sweating in their newborns for this very reason.
Excessive sweating in newborns due to neuromuscular irritability is still described as a common, early symptom of vitamin D deficiency.
Your Bones Ache
Adults who have severe vitamin D deficiency may experience bone pain and softness, as well as muscle weakness.
Osteomalacia may be found among the following people: those who are elderly and have diets low in vitamin D; those with problems absorbing vitamin D or those without enough sun exposure.
Constant Respiratory Problems
This warning symptom is related to flu as a vitamin D deficiency disease. If low vitamin D puts people at risk for flu, it stands to reason they would be at risk for other respiratory problems too and possibly on a chronic basis.
Studies have demonstrated that vitamin D protects against respiratory illness particularly in children, who require hospitalization most frequently due to bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease is a growing health concern and a primary and powerful predictor for premature cardiovascular disease.
Given that cardiovascular disease itself indicates a likely vitamin D deficit, research indicates that those that suffer from chronic kidney disease are also D deficient in a big way.