What are common signs and symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency?
The most common signs and symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency relate to bone health. One manifestation is a softening of the bones, known as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Muscle and bone pain and a susceptibility to fractured bones can also be telling signs of vitamin D deficiency. Inadequate quantities of vitamin D can also lead to increased and prolonged inflammation. While inflammation can occur anywhere in the body, this symptom often presents as an inflammation of the gums, and over time can cause periodontal disease. Other signs and symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency include a lack of energy or fatigue, sleep disturbances, and decreased immune system functioning. Vitamin D deficiencies have also been connected to symptoms of a more psychological nature, particularly mood swings, minor depression, and a tendency toward Seasonal Affective Disorder. What can cause a vitamin D deficiency? As the body requires sunlight to activate the process that synthesizes vitamin