Warning signs you're not getting enough vitamin D

In an era obsessed with health supplements and wellbeing trends, humans are ceaselessly seeking new ways of both improving their general nutrition, and boosting their vitamin levels.

Of the most highly sought-after ingredients when it comes to securing a 'glow-up', is Vitamin D.

Famed for its ability to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, these chemicals are essentially when it comes to maintaining healthy bones, teeth and muscle health.

As such, Vitamin D also wards off bone deformities, like rickets, as well as painful conditions, including osteomalacia.

Arguably the most bittersweet aspect of this nutrient, is the fact it can be obtained without a person even knowing, from the sun.

Vitamin D can help ward off bone conditions (Getty Stock Image)

The issue is, however, that for a lot of us - especially those living in the northern hemisphere - sunlight is something of a rare occurrence, given that the sun is largely absent after September, until March.

As such, many of us actually spend the year somewhat deprived of Vitamin D, which can inflict serious harm onto our health.

But how do we know whether or not we need a helping hand from supplements over the winter months?

Well, apparently, there are some Vitamin D indicators we can keep an eye out for.

Susceptible to injuries

According to Dr Adrian Gombart, people who are secretly suffering from a deficiency might be partial to stress fractures, given that, as mentioned, this nutrient usually helps the body absorb calcium from food. A lack of this chemical can result in weakened bones.

He told Shape recently: "If you have less than 20 micrograms per millilitre of vitamin D in your blood, you don't have enough D to transport calcium into your bones."

A deficiency could cause weakened bones (Getty Stock Image)

Repeatedly getting sick

If you're someone that seems to catch every flu, bug and infection doing the rounds, you might be suffering with a Vitamin D deficiency.

This is because this chemical is responsible for the upkeep of the immune system, with a study conducted by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health finding that these supplements can lower the risk of being diagnosed with respiratory tract infections.

Thinning hair

Have you noticed that more hair than usual seems to fall out whilst you're taking a shower, or brushing your hair?

If so, it might be that your battling another symptom of a deficit, with Vitamin D playing a pivotal role in the cycle of hair, including new growth.

There could be any number of reasons for this occurrence, however - including diet and genetics - but it's always worth a conversation with your GP.

Moodiness

Low levels of Vitamin D have been linked to mood-oriented symptoms, like depression.

Deficiencies could affect a person's mood (Getty Stock Image)

This is because this nutrient is usually in charge of regulating the transition from amino acid tryptophan into serotonin, the latter of which is linked to the way a person feels inside their heads.

Muscle pain or weakness

As we mentioned earlier, Vitamin D is vital for the development and growth of muscle fibres.

With this in mind, a review recently included in Nutrients, found that a deficiency in this nutrient could damage a person's muscle function and athletic performance.

This could explain why you might suddenly feel more exhausted during or after a workout.

Feeling run down

With the above in mind, a lack of Vitamin D could explain why you've been feeling so wiped out in general.

Have your energy levels felt like they're depleting recently?

If you're someone that feels run down or ill often, you might have a deficiency (Getty Stock Image)

Well, you might want to give supplements a go.

You live in a city

Whilst not necessarily an indication of a deficiency, your location could prove a reason for it.

According to nutrition researcher Peter Horvath of the University at Buffalo School of Public Health, areas low-light - specifically, cities - can see a person receiving much less sun exposure than someone in the countryside.

Hovarth's study found that, in cities like Buffalo and New York, nearly half of residents have insufficient amounts of vitamin D.

Feeling spaced out

We've already discussed Vitamin D's role in boosting a person's serotonin levels, but it's not just mood that can be affected by low levels.

Serotonin also influences the cognitive functions of human beings - especially things like decision making and controlling impulses.

People living in cities are less likely to receive sun exposure (Getty Stock Image)

As such, if you're someone that suffers from a deficiency in this nutrient, you may find yourself struggling to concentrate, or behaving in a way that's different from your usual nature.

Being pale

As mentioned, the sun is the main source of Vitamin D.

So, when we remain predominantly in shaded areas during the summer months, or ceaselessly reapply sun cream, we're failing to make the most of free nutrition and wellbeing.

Whilst we're certainly not advocating leaving out sunscreen altogether, or remaining in direct sunlight for long periods of time, doctors believe there's a fine line that should be considered.

If you're largely concerned with the effects that sun exposure might have on your skin, however, it's probably worth chatting to your GP about supplements.