Introduction

Vitamin D is a vitamin that helps your body absorb calcium and maintain healthy bones, teeth and muscles. It also helps to support normal immune system functions. Many people don’t realize they could have low vitamin D levels because the symptoms can be mild or hard to recognize.
The wacky symptoms of vitamin D deficiency are not always so obvious. Some people feel constantly tired, have muscle weakness, or have unexplained bone pain. Some people do not have any symptoms. These signs may also be associated with other health conditions and should not be used alone to diagnose a deficiency.
Knowing what to look for can help you know when to call your doctor and whether you should consider testing.

What Is Vitamin D Deficiency?

Vitamin D deficiency occurs when the body does not have sufficient amounts of vitamin D to perform its normal functions. The body needs this nutrient to absorb calcium and phosphorous, which are both needed to keep bones strong and aid in muscle function.
Your skin makes vitamin D when it is exposed to the sun. You can also get it from foods such as oily fish, egg yolks and vitamin D-fortified foods.
Severe and prolonged deficiency can lead to weak or painful bones and muscle weakness. Children can develop rickets, while adults can develop a condition called osteomalacia.

7 Weird Signs You’re Lacking Vitamin D

1. Low energy and persistent tiredness

It’s common to be tired after a busy day .” However, fatigue that does not go away with adequate rest and is ongoing may be worth a look at.
In some people, low levels of vitamin D have been linked to feeling tired, but there are many possible causes of fatigue. Insomnia, stress, anemia, thyroid problems and other medical conditions can cause similar symptoms.
If you often feel tired despite getting enough sleep, talk with a healthcare provider about your symptoms instead of assuming vitamin D deficiency is to blame.

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2. Bone pain or back discomfort with no known cause

Vitamin D aids your body to absorb calcium which is vital for bone health. Severe deficiency can result in bones that are less well mineralized, possibly leading to pain or tenderness.
Some people with vitamin D–related bone problems have pain in the lower back, hips, ribs or legs.
But back pain and bone aches are common, and there could be many other reasons. Worsening, or unexplained pain that is persistent should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

3. Weakness in the Muscles or Frequent Pain

Muscle weakness is another possible sign. You may find that normal activities like climbing stairs or getting up from a chair are harder than usual.
A severe deficiency of vitamin D can cause impaired muscle function and muscle aches. But muscle weakness can also be caused by inactivity, nutritional problems, infections or other health issues.
Seek medical advice if you are weak, if your weakness is getting worse or is interfering with your daily activities.

4. Mood changes or low mood

Scientists have researched the links between Vitamin D and mood and mental well-being, as Vitamin D is used in many processes in the body.
Some studies have found a link between vitamin D deficiency and depressive symptoms. But that doesn’t prove that vitamin D deficiency is a direct cause of depression or that taking supplements will fix mood problems.
If you experience ongoing feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, or a change to your normal mental health, consider speaking to a trusted healthcare professional . Regardless of your vitamin D level, mental health is worth addressing.

5. Muscle Cramps or Weird Tingle

If you are severely deficient in vitamin D, and your calcium levels are also low, you may experience muscle cramps and tingling sensations.
You may feel cramps in the hands, feet or legs. However the symptoms are non-specific and may be due to other mineral disturbances, nerve problems or other medical conditions.
If cramps or tingling continue, seek medical evaluation. Sudden weakness, severe symptoms or breathing difficulties. Get immediate medical attention.

6. Trouble climbing stairs or getting up

Some people notice changes in their daily movements before they think of muscle weakness as a cause for concern.
You may find yourself having trouble climbing stairs, walking the usual distances or getting up from a low chair. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to muscle weakness and poor physical function.
Don’t jump to the conclusion that these changes are due to a lack of vitamins. If your mobility changes unexpectedly or worsens over time, get a medical evaluation to find the cause.

7. Less Likely to Break Bones

Vitamin D is important for calcium absorption from the gut and normal bone mineralization. Severe or prolonged deficiency can cause bones to become weak and increase the risk of some bone problems.
An unexpected fracture or a fracture following a relatively minor injury may require an assessment for underlying bone health issues.
One possible explanation is vitamin D deficiency. Fracture risk can also be affected by bone density, certain medications, other nutritional deficiencies and medical conditions.
Don’t wait until you’ve broken a bone to get ongoing bone pain or weakness checked out.

Who Is Most at Risk for Low Vitamin D?

Certain people are at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency.

These people include:

• Spend most of their time indoors or have limited sun exposure
• Have darker skin which is less efficient at making vitamin D from sunlight.
• Eat foods that are low in vitamin D
• have digestive disorders which reduce nutrient absorption.
• Have certain kidney or liver diseases that affect the processing of vitamin D.

Use of certain medications that interfere with vitamin D metabolism.
Just because you had a risk factor, you’re low. A healthcare professional can look at your individual situation and tell you if you need to be tested.

Diagnosis of Vitamin D Deficiency

You can’t diagnose vitamin D deficiency by symptoms alone. Your health care professional may order a blood test that measures 25-hydroxyvitamin D, also known as 25(OH)D.
You may need other tests to look for other explanations based on your symptoms and medical history.
Don’t take high dose vitamin D just because the internet says you need it. Vitamin D in excess can lead to a buildup of calcium and other medical problems.
How To Support Your Body To Maintain Healthy Levels Of Vitamin D

Select vitamin D-rich foods

Incorporate suitable sources of vitamin D into a well-rounded diet.

These may be:

• • Oily fish like salmon or sardines.
  • Egg yolks .
  • Enriched milk or plant-based alternatives.
  • Fortified breakfast cereals.
  • Certain mushrooms, depending on their cultivation or treatment.
    Look at food labels for items fortified with vitamin D.

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Ensure Adequate Sunlight Exposure

Sunlight helps your body produce vitamin D but the amount produced depends on skin tone, location, season, clothing and other factors.
Get outside when you can, but follow your local sun-safety advice. Do not use excess sun exposure as a treatment for suspected deficiency. Avoid sunburn.

Discuss Supplements With Your Health Care Provider

Supplements may be appropriate for people who have a confirmed deficiency or who are at increased risk of developing a deficiency. The correct dose depends on age, individual needs and medical circumstances.
Don’t take large doses without professional advice, especially if you are already taking a multivitamin or another vitamin D product.

When should I see a doctor?

See a health care professional if you have ongoing fatigue, unexplained bone pain, ongoing muscle weakness, or changes in your ability to move comfortably.
Call your doctor immediately if you have any severe or sudden symptoms like a lot of new weakness, trouble breathing, or you think you may have broken a bone.
Getting an early evaluation can help determine what’s really driving your symptoms and get you on track for treatment.

Discussion

Ongoing fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, cramps and changes in daily movement are among the strange symptoms of vitamin D deficiency. But these are not the only symptoms of low vitamin D, and some people with a deficiency show no obvious warning signs.
Maintaining healthy levels of vitamin D can be helped by sunlight, a healthy diet and professional advice on testing or supplements. If symptoms continue, seek medical advice and do not self-diagnose.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the strange symptoms of vitamin D deficiency?

Symptoms may include chronic fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, muscle cramps and difficulty making routine movements. These signs can be caused by other things, also.

Fatigue, a symptom of low vitamin D?

Some have reported feeling tired with low levels of vitamin D. Fatigue can also be caused by poor sleep, anemia, stress or other health issues.

Does vitamin D deficiency affect your mood?

Some research has connected low levels of vitamin D with changes in mood, but the relationship is complicated. Mood symptoms should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

How would I know if I have low vitamin D?

Your health care provider can review your signs and risk factors, and order a blood test to check your level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D if needed.

What foods have vitamin D in them?

Oily fish, egg yolks, some mushrooms and fortified foods provide vitamin D. Amount varies according to the food and product.

I feel tired, should I take Vitamin D supplements?

Not really. There are many reasons for fatigue. Check with a healthcare professional before taking high doses to see if testing or supplementation is right for you.