Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms in Women

Vitamin D is produced by the body when it is exposed to sunlight. Earlier, experts were of the opinion that production of vitamin D would protect the body from rickets. However, recent studies have shown that vitamin D protects the body from many other diseases and from many other illnesses. Thus, deficiency of vitamin D is not a desirable condition. The daily recommended value of vitamin D is about 400 International Units, per day for an adult. Those who are older, say above 50 years of age, the requirements for them increases to 600 International Units per day. A person who does not get these required quantities is said to be deficient. Let us look at some of the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in women.

Muscle fatigue, muscle weakness, pain in the bones and frequent fractures are the most common vitamin D deficiency symptoms in women. Other than these, the more serious vitamin D deficiency symptoms include unexplained depression, low levels of energy, constant fatigue, lack of concentration and mood swings. Other serious symptoms of low vitamin D levels include sleep disorders and other sleep irregularities. The immune system of the woman with low levels of vitamin D is also very weak. If the women are old, the possibility of them falling a lot of times and chronic low energy levels are the very important and serious symptoms of low vitamin D. Vitamin D3 is an important vitamin that is useful in maintaining the bone health of a woman. Poor bone structure and constant bone pain is one of the important vitamin D3 deficiency symptoms in women. The other deficiency symptoms of vitamin D in women include neurological problems and back pain. Brittle bones is also the result of low levels of vitamin D.

Vitamin D deficiency symptoms in pregnant women are depressive behavior, chronic pain and severe mood swings. It is necessary that the pregnant woman take sufficient vitamin D as it is very important for the proper development of the fetus. In a child, soft bones, irritability, weakness, fatigue and general poor growth and development since an early childhood are all the results of deficiency of vitamin D. Hence, it is necessary that pregnant women should consume sufficient vitamin D to avoid any deficiency.

Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency

So, what causes low vitamin D levels and who are at the risk of vitamin D deficiency? Those who follow a vegetarian diet are at a higher risk of suffering from low vitamin D levels, since apart from the sun, all the other sources of vitamin D are animal products, like the egg yolk. Vitamin D deficiency in women is also caused if they are obese as all the vitamin D present in the blood gets absorbed by the fat cells, thereby reducing the vitamin D levels in blood. This causes a deficiency of vitamin D in the overall body. Dark skinned women are also at the risk of suffering from vitamin D deficiency as the melanin in their skin prevents the soaking of vitamin D from the sun. Finally, vitamin D deficiency in women is observed when they are not exposed to the sunlight.

Treatment

Blood tests and X-rays are the ways to diagnose the vitamin D deficiency. Once the doctor has ascertained the deficiency levels, he/she can decide on the correct course of treatments. Oral supplements are recommended and prescribed by the doctor in order to fulfill the daily vitamin D requirements of the body. However, if the deficiency is very mild, including foods rich in vitamin D are asked to be included in the daily diet. Foods like fish and eggs are very good sources of vitamin D. In severe deficiency cases, the person may need to take injections in order to fulfill the required amount. However, food sources and supplements are better than injections.

After reading this article, if you feel that you show some of these symptoms, it is recommended that you seek medical assistance. Include vitamin D foods to eat in your diet and soak up the early morning sun to get rid of this deficiency.