In recent decades, hormonal and metabolic health has gained unprecedented importance. However, there is a silent protagonist that continues to affect millions of people worldwide: Vitamin D deficiency. Although we usually call it a “vitamin”, it actually acts as an essential pro-hormone for our body’s balance, as it even influences the bone and reproductive health that we inherit and pass down through our family lineage to future generations.
What does Vitamin D deficiency mean and what causes it?
To begin with, we must clarify what Vitamin D deficiency means. In simple terms, it occurs when the levels of this substance in the blood are below what is necessary for the body to function correctly. But what causes Vitamin D deficiency?
There are several causes of Vitamin D deficiency, the most common being a lack of safe sun exposure, as our skin synthesises most of this vitamin thanks to UVB rays. Nevertheless, why Vitamin D deficiency exists even in sunny countries is a frequent question; the answer often lies in the use of sunscreens, spending a lot of time indoors, and genetic factors that determine how our body processes this nutrient.
Symptoms and how to identify it
Many people wonder how to know if they have a Vitamin D deficiency, as the signs are often subtle at first. The most frequently reported symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency include:
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Vitamin D deficiency can cause tiredness: A persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest.
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Muscle weakness and joint pain.
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Mood alterations (irritability or sadness).
Thanks to science, today you can discover more about your genetic predisposition to Vitamin D levels. This data could serve as a key prevention tool: if your DNA test gives you a high-risk warning and, additionally, you have symptoms or suspicions, the ideal step is to reconfirm that information with a blood test. This way, you can go to your doctor with precise data to evaluate your actual status.
Consequences and health risks
It is vital to understand what Vitamin D deficiency produces if not treated in time. The consequences of Vitamin D deficiency can be serious, as this nutrient is key for calcium absorption.
Long-term Vitamin D deficiency causes bone demineralisation (osteoporosis), but Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to autoimmune, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases. In general, what happens when there is a Vitamin D deficiency is that the immune system weakens, leaving us more vulnerable.
Differences by profile
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Vitamin D deficiency in adults: Usually manifests as chronic fatigue and lower back pain.
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Vitamin D deficiency in women: It is especially critical during menopause and pregnancy to protect bone density and the baby’s development.
Causes and treatment of Vitamin D deficiency
What causes Vitamin D deficiency beyond the sun? A diet poor in oily fish, obesity (as the vitamin is “sequestered” in fatty tissue), and certain malabsorption disorders are determining factors.
Regarding treatment for Vitamin D deficiency, personalisation is key. Treatment for Vitamin D deficiency usually includes:
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Supplementation prescribed by an expert.
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Increased sun exposure (15 minutes a day is often enough).
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Consumption of fortified foods.
Understanding what causes Vitamin D deficiency and what the effects of Vitamin D deficiency are on your body is the first step in taking control of your wellbeing. Do not ignore what Vitamin D deficiency provokes; your health depends on an optimal internal balance.