Can vitamin D deficiency cause joint and muscle pain?
Do you know that joint and muscle pain can be a sign of vitamin D deficiency?
Vitamin D is one of the most vital nutrients for promoting bone health. Low levels of this vitamin affect both physical and mental problems. Read further to know everything you need about vitamin D deficiency and how to avoid it.
More than 76% of people above 30 years of age experience joint and muscular discomfort, with 73% to 93% of these cases being caused by a vitamin D deficiency.
It is because vitamin D is the primary nutrient to promote bone health. It helps your body to absorb calcium and phosphorus to strengthen bones and teeth. It may have an anti-inflammatory effect, which helps reduce joint and muscle pain.
This can happen due to various factors, some of which are listed below.
Causes of vitamin D deficiency
- Minimal exposure to sunlight: The body gets most of its vitamin D from natural sunlight.
- Darker skin complexion: People with darker skin tones are more likely to absorb less vitamin D from the sun.
- The passing of age: People’s skin’s capacity to synthesize vitamin D declines as they get old.
- Poor diet: Not getting the proper amount of vitamin D can certainly cause a deficiency of the same.
- Medications and diseases: Many medications or chronic diseases like cancer, fatty liver, obesity, and kidney problems can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb Vitamin D.
How does vitamin D deficiency cause joint and muscle pain?
Many scientific researches have been indicating that vitamin D causes joint and muscle pain. Research shows that low vitamin D levels increase the risk of developing conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia, which can intensify pain.
Numerous studies, including those by the National Institutes of Health, have found that vitamin D deficiency is linked to muscle and joint pain.
Identifying the deficiency early is also important, and you can do so very easily. Just keep the following symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in mind.
Vitamin D deficiency symptoms.
- Fatigue: Sudden fatigue or unconsciousness can happen due to a lack of vitamin D.
- Bone pain: Bone pain can be a symptom of a deficiency in vitamin D.
- Numbness: Numbness in the body or a tingling sensation is said to be one of the vitamin D symptoms.
- Mood changes: Low mood, depression, anxiety, and mood swings can be because of not getting an adequate amount of vitamin D.
- Respiratory issues: Many times respiratory issues like breathlessness and even asthma can be a sign that you need more vitamin D.
- Bone deformities: In infants, many bone deformities like scoliosis and kyphosis happen, which can be due to vitamin D deficiency.
- UTIs: A lack of vitamin D may make UTIs (urinary tract infections) more likely, especially for those designated female at birth.
Whenever you feel any of these symptoms happening to you, do not wait and consult a nutritional expert immediately.
Sources of vitamin D
Here are some clinically proven sources to get natural vitamin D and cure your deficiency.
- Sunlight: The primary source of natural vitamin D is direct exposure to sunlight; the skin absorbs all the vitamin D from the sunlight.
- Food rich in vitamin D: including foods high in vitamin D, also helps a lot in increasing vitamin D levels, like:
- Oily fishes like salmon and mackerel, etc
- Fortified milk
- Mushrooms
- Egg yolks
- Fortified breakfast cereals
- Beef liver
- Supplements: There are certain medications available to maintain vitamin D in your body. One should always consult an orthopedic doctor before taking any supplement.
However, before consumption of any kind of medication, it is important to consult an experienced endocrinologist properly, as high levels of vitamin D can cause skin cancer.
Conclusion
Vitamin D has gained attention for its potential impact on joint function. When vitamin D levels are low and your body does not properly absorb calcium and phosphorus, there is an increased risk of bone pain, bone fractures, muscle pain, etc. You can increase your vitamin D levels by increasing sun exposure and vitamin D-rich foods. Sometimes using supplements to balance vitals is also an option, but it should be done with proper prescription from nutritional experts. Consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis, especially when symptoms are severe or persistent.
Note: This content is informational and not a substitute for medical advice.
FAQs
Q1: How can I rapidly increase my vitamin D levels?
Ans. Eat foods high in vitamin D and take proper sunlight.
Q2: What oil helps in curing vitamin D deficiency?
Ans. A natural source of vitamin D, cod liver oil can be a beneficial supplement, providing both vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids.
Q3: How will I feel if my vitamin D is low?
Ans. Increased risk of bone pain, fractures, muscle pain, and muscle weakness.
