Vitamin D Deficiency: Symptoms, Causes & Diagnosis

A vitamin D deficiency is serious, however, many people are unaware of the severity of this condition. It’s difficult to diagnose a vitamin deficiency because the symptoms mimic a variety of muscular, gastrointestinal and autoimmune diseases. To identify a vitamin D deficiency, you must know the symptoms.

Instructions

• 1

  The most common symptom of a vitamin D deficiency is unusual pain. You may visit a rheumatologist or neurologist and undergo a series of lab tests. If all the results are negative, a vitamin deficiency may be the underlying cause.

• 2

  Following a strict vegetarian or vegan diet may lead to vitamin D deficiency. Primary sources of vitamin D are fish, egg yolks, cheese, fish oils and beef liver.

• 3

  Because vitamin D affects the brain and mood, individuals who have a deficiency may undergo periods of depression or deal with “winter blues.”

• 4

  If you have a low vitamin D level, your muscles and bones become weak. Thus, you may have difficulty rising from a chair, climbing stairs or walking.

• 5

  Many people with vitamin D deficiency will have no symptoms at all. Preventative care under a health care provider can find vitamin deficiencies before they begin to affect your health.