The 8 signs you have vitamin D deficiency – which could increase risk of dying from Covid
THE SUNSHINE supplement Vitamin D has been hailed as one of the most important vitamins to take.
Research suggests that patients with Covid-19 are at a greater risk of death if they have low levels of the vitamin.
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Public Health England and the NHS have issued new guidance encouraging people to take at least 10mcg per day of the vitamin to support the immune system.
The UK's relatively low levels of sunshine and Brits' diets mean vitamin D deficiency is a widespread problem in the country.
An estimated one in five adults and one in six children don't get enough vitamin D - a problem that its feared could be being exacerbated by the lockdown.
One study by Anglia Ruskin University found that European countries in which vitamin D deficiency is prevalent have seen elevated death tolls since the start of the pandemic.
Speaking to The Sun, Dr Clare Bailey said Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, and these are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy.
Dr Bailey, who is the author of The Fast 800 Recipe Book added that it's important to get out in the sunshine in order for your body to absorb vitamin D.
“The body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin when outdoors, and so from about late March/early April to the end of September, most people should be able to get all the vitamin D they need from sunlight.
"During the autumn and winter, you need to get vitamin D from your diet because the sun is not strong enough for the body to make vitamin D.
"But since it's difficult for people to get enough vitamin D from food alone, everyone (including pregnant and breastfeeding women) should consider taking a daily supplement."
But what are the signs you need to look out for and how can you spot if you have a Vitamin D deficiency? The Sun spoke to experts to find out.
1. Unexplained pain
If you're experiencing lower back pain or bone pain in general then you could have low levels of vitamin D.
Vitamin D helps improve the way your body takes in calcium - which is essential for healthy teeth and bones.
Bianca Estelle, Clinical Director and IVNT Specialist at Vitamin Injections London said: "Someone with a deficiency in D3 will report aches and pains presented in their joints, bones and muscles."
She added that many patients who present at the clinic had low levels of vitamin D.
NHS England states: "A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children, and bone pain caused by a condition called osteomalacia in adults."
2. Being unwell often
Vitamin D is essential in making sure your immune system is running at its full potential.
Studies have previously found that vitamin D can help protect against .
Vitamin D works with the cells in your body that fight infections and if you are constantly coming down with a cold or the flu then you might have low levels of the sunshine vitamin.
The foods to eat to boost your vitamin D levels
The best way to boost your vitamin D levels is to take a supplement, but there are foods you can eat to help you along the way
- oily fish such as sardines, herring, salmon and mackerel
- egg yolks
- mushrooms
- fortified foods such as breakfast cereals and spreads
Harley Street nutritionist Kim Pearson told The Sun there are few foods with high levels and that some should be used sparingly.
"Unfortunately, there are few good quality, natural food sources. Oily fish, such as wild salmon, sardines and mackerel and eggs, provide vitamin D.
"Otherwise, most other food sources come in the form of highly processed fortified foods such as margarines and breakfast cereals, which I don’t recommend regularly including in the diet."
She alsostated that supplements are available in two forms - vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol).
"Most experts agree that D3 is the preferred form. Humans synthesise vitamin D3 in response to sunlight and therefore it is the most natural form to supplement.
"Vitamin D3 is more bioavailable and significantly more effective at increasing blood levels than vitamin D2."
3. Bone loss
Vitamin D plays a key role in the way that calcium is absorbed into the system.
If your bones lose calcium and other minerals then you will be more susceptible to fractures and breakages.
Vitamin D also helps to maintain blood levels and having enough of the vitamin in your system will reduce the risk of fractures.
4. Tiredness
Previous that low blood levels can cause tiredness, therefore impacting how you go about your day to day life.
Research by experts at previously found that taking vitamin D was proven to boost energy levels.
It also found that people taking the supplements had improved muscle function.
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in children
Dr Sadaf Hussain, GP and founder of Zoom Clinic reveals the symptoms to watch out for in your little ones
- Poor growth: Children’s height may be affected. Children may also be slow to start walking
- Tooth development delay: Children with vitamin D deficiency may have delayed teething, as the development of the milk teeth could be affected
- Infections: Children with vitamin D deficiency could be more at risk of infections
- Weak bones: Children with severe deficiency may have weaker leg bones. Their legs may look curved (bow-legged) as they may be relatively softer. They are also likely to complain of bone pains, muscle pains or muscle weakness. This condition is known as rickets
5. Depression
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to depression in older adults.
Researchers analysed the has on people in their older years and found that 65 per cent of those who showed signs of depression also had low levels of the vitamin.
Having low energy levels can also make you feel down in the dumps and this is also caused by vitamin D deficiencies.
also suggested that sadness can cause people to look down, meaning they aren't absorbing enough ultra violet.
Bianca also added that patients with low levels of vitamin D can suffer from "brain fog".
6. Slow healing
Whether you've accidentally cut your finger or if you've fallen and bumped your side, your bruises and cuts may take longer to heal if you don't have enough vitamin D in your system.
Vitamin D plays a role in controlling inflammation and fighting infection - both of which are imperative for sufficient healing.
One study from found that patients with leg ulcers who were treated with vitamin D were able to reduce the size of their ulcer by 28 per cent after taking the supplement.
7. Muscle pain
If you're aching for longer after a work out or it hurt to get up off of the sofa then you could be lacking in vitamin D.
The vitamin D receptor is found in nerve cells called nociceptors.
These are the cells that sense pain in the body.
Previously studies have shown that there is a link between muscle pain and low levels of the vitamin.
A study published in found that 71 per cent of people with chronic pain were found to have a vitamin D deficiency.
8. Hair loss
It has previously been suggested that people have been losing their hair more often due to the coronavirus lockdown.
While stress is one of the main factors for hair loss, it has also been found that a lack of vitamin D could also be a contributing factor.
Low vitamin D levels have been linked to conditions such as alopecia and those with more severe hair loss have previously been found to have low levels of vitamin D.
Does ethnicity play a part?
Nutritionist Kim Pearson states that people with darker skin struggle to absorb vitamin D.
"The darker a person’s skin type, the lower their ability to synthesise vitamin D.
"People whose skin type have adapted to prevent excess synthesis in their native, sunny environment are particularly prone to deficiency when living in a sun-deprived country such as the UK.
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"My client list comprises a diverse ethnic background. My South Asian clients with darker skin are commonly deficient. Muslim women who cover themselves for religious reasons are also often found to be vitamin D deficient."
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She added that she has also seen plenty of Caucasian clients with low or borderline levels of the vitamin.
"Most of us spend a significant proportion of our time indoors meaning that regardless of skin type, anyone can be affected."
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