
6 warning signs that you might be deficient in vitamin D
By Liz Connor. Published 2020-08-02
BOLD-WellbeingWith the improved weather and increasing levels of sunshine we discuss the importance of Vitamin D and recognising whether you have a deficiency
Research by the National Cancer Centre in Tokyo suggests that vitamin D may offer protection against cancers.The study found that middle-aged men and women with high levels of the vitamin in their blood are 20% less likely to get the disease.According to data published by Public Health England, more than one in five people have low levels of vitamin D, which is essential for keeping teeth and bones healthy, regulating mood and improving resistance against winter bugs.The best source of this vital vitamin is getting a dose of sunshine, as when the sun’s UVB rays hit our skin, a reaction takes place that enables the cells to manufacture it.However, a lack of sunlight in the winter months means that many of us are blissfully unaware that we’re lacking in vitamin D.Here, Frida Harju-Westman, nutritionist at the global health app Lifesum , explains the warning signs that you may have a deficiency.

You suffer from low moods
Vitamin D plays a vital role not only in brain health, but also your mood. The areas of your brain that are connected to your mood have been found to possess receptors for vitamin D, meaning that low levels within your body can affect how your brain cells behave.While research is still being conducted to find out more about the exact relationship, it is believed that vitamin D boosts the level of chemicals in your brain known an monoamines. Monoamines are the neurotransmitters known as feel-good chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine.When you lack these chemicals, you may feel low in mood, or even depressed. This also accounts for why many people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in the winter, as we naturally receive less vitamin D in darker months.
You get stress fractures
If you are low in vitamin D you may find that you suffer from recurring stress fractures.Stress fractures happen when repetitive activity results in microscopic damage, such as a small crack, to a bone. Vitamin D is vital for bone growth and health, as it helps the body to absorb calcium. If you are deficient in this important mineral, then you may find that your are more prone to injury.