7 Noticeable Signs that You Might Need More Vitamin D

Sometimes it sneaks up on me, and takes me down to the depths of despair and sadness for a couple of days, rendering me an aching, pudgy, rabid raccoon crying in a corner surrounded by snacks before I realize what is happening. Other times, I can instantly pinpoint the deficiency and nip it in the bud before I take a trip to crazy town.

Listed below are 7 signs or symptoms of lacking sufficient amounts of vitamin D that anyone can notice on their own. I have personally experienced each symptom, and feel it is important to share what I have gone through, in hopes that it may help someone else recognize that vitamin D deficiency might be the root of their own health problems. I have included links throughout the post to direct you to more information on specific benefits, supplementation, and suggested dosages. 

1. Low immunity

2. Depression or Anxiety

3. Fatigue, brain fog, and general weakness

4.  Joint and muscle pain

5. Muscle spasms or twitching

6. Moodiness and irritability

7. Weight gain

1. Low Immunity

Are you or the kids coming down with little bugs more often than usual? Your immune system could be struggling due to not having sufficient amounts of vitamin D. Everyone automatically thinks of vitamin C when they think of immune-boosting vitamins, but very little people realize that vitamin D is just as, if not more important when it comes to immune health. For more information, check out this super scientific article that tells you all about it.

2. Depression or Anxiety

So many people around me have been struggling with depression and anxiety recently. I know that I certainly have had my moments, too. My very first question for every single one of them has been “are you taking a vitamin D supplement?”.

And every answer? “….no.”

I would have thought that people who live in these extreme weather conditions would have had vitamin D supplements shoved down their throats their whole lives. But, nope. No one seems to talk about it. (I am sure there are a lot of exceptions, mind you. This is just among my small pool of friends. I have not spent any time surveying around for this opinion. If you are one of the many Northerners that stay on top of your vitamin D regimen, this post is not for you, as you are doing great!)

“There are several clinical trials that have found a link between vitamin D deficiency and mental illness. According to these studies, low levels of vitamin D are thought to be involved in anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, learning, memory, and social behavior. Much of this research has offered evidence that supplementing low levels of vitamin D can improve psychological well-being in many cases.”  Read more here.

3. Fatigue, Brain Fog, and General Weakness

This is usually my first sign of low vitamin D. Getting out of bed becomes harder than usual, and I have zero energy to do anything or even think about doing anything. Just thinking about things makes me feel exhausted. That’s not good! This is also the case for a lot of you out there. Many studies have shown the importance of vitamin D supplementation in those that experience chronic fatigue and/or conditions that cause symptoms of chronic fatigue, such as fibromyalgia and Lupus.

Read here for more information on these underlying conditions and how vitamin D can help.

4. Joint and Muscle Pain

Another big sign of vitamin D deficiency is experiencing joint and muscle pain. In my personal experience, this one tends to affect me the worst. Pain can be felt in every single joint in your body, but particularly the back, hands, arms, knees, and feet. It can feel like you suddenly have arthritis. Everywhere. Your muscles and joints can ache so much that you feel like you are aching to your bones, or straight to your core. Or you can be one of the lucky ones out there that never have any joint or muscle pain at all. Everyone experiences vitamin D deficiency differently!