According to health experts, vitamin D deficiency has become a major problem in India. Surprisingly, nearly 90 percent of women have lower than normal levels of vitamin D.
Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency
Nowadays, everyone wants to stay healthy and fit. To achieve this, people go to the gym, follow diet plans, and take various supplements. Yet, many women suffer from a serious nutrient deficiency. This deficiency is vitamin D, commonly known as the sunshine vitamin.
According to health experts, vitamin D deficiency has become a major problem in India. Surprisingly, nearly 90 percent of women have lower than normal levels of vitamin D. This is why women at a young age are experiencing problems like bone pain, weakness, fatigue, mood swings, and frequent illness.
Why is vitamin D so important?
Vitamin D is vital for our bodies. It helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus properly, maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also strengthens our immunity and helps protect us from many diseases. Studies show that people with healthy vitamin D levels have a lower risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. It's even more important for women, as hormonal changes, pregnancy, and aging increase their need for it.
Why is Vitamin D deficiency increasing in women?
Today's modern lifestyle is the biggest cause of this deficiency. Women spend most of their time indoors at home or in the office, leaving them short on time for sun exposure. Furthermore, most women wear sunscreen or full clothing to protect themselves from the sun. Sources of vitamin D are limited in vegetarian diets. The body needs more vitamin D during pregnancy and breastfeeding. After age 40, bone density gradually declines.
Due to all these reasons, vitamin D deficiency is rapidly increasing in women. Women's bones begin to weaken after the age of 40. If the body does not receive adequate vitamin D during this time, bones begin to break easily. This condition is called osteoporosis. Research shows that 90 percent of women are at risk, and this makes the risk of fractures twice that of men.
What are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency?
If the body becomes deficient in vitamin D, several symptoms can appear, such as feeling tired and weak all the time, pain in the bones, back, and knees, muscle weakness or cramps, irritability, sadness or depression, frequent colds, coughs, or infections, excessive hair loss, and insomnia. According to doctors, the normal level of vitamin D in the body should be 20 to 50 ng/ml. Lowering this level requires treatment.
How to overcome Vitamin D deficiency?
Vitamin D deficiency can be addressed with simple measures. The best way is to spend 15–20 minutes in the sun every day between 7 and 9 a.m. Include egg yolks, fatty fish (salmon, tuna), milk, yogurt and cheese, mushrooms, and fortified dairy products in your diet. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor. They may recommend vitamin D supplements if needed.
