Having adequate Vitamin D levels is essential for maintaining healthy bones and calcium absorption, amongst many other important functions. It’s sometimes referred to as the sunshine vitamin because our body produces an active form of Vitamin D when we’re in direct sunlight. As we age, our natural levels of various vitamins decrease, including Vitamin D.
Vitamin D deficiency is when the body is not producing enough Vitamin D that is necessary to stay healthy. Vitamin D deficiency can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, so it is important to understand the impact it has on our bodies and what treatments are available to offset its symptoms and negative effects.
The Importance and Impacts of Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a vital role in several bodily functions, and when we experience a deficiency, it can affect our daily lives. Vitamin D helps with:
- Ensuring healthy parathyroid glands
- Absorbing calcium
- Improving mood and combating depression
- Ensuring strong bone structure
- Is a pro hormone which helps convert into our sex hormones
- Reducing chronic conditions (heart disease and type 2 diabetes)
- Promoting a healthy immune system
- Promoting positive cognitive health
Low levels of Vitamin D can lead to several health problems. Vitamin D deficiency can weaken our immune system’s ability to fight off diseases and illnesses, and puts individuals at a higher risk for developing multiple sclerosis, some types of cancers, heart disease, and depression.
Varying Symptoms of Deficiency
Going for an extended period with a Vitamin D deficiency can lead to severe health complications. Tracking symptoms can help individuals identify a Vitamin D deficiency and further steps to take to combat it. There are different signs of that can constitute a deficiency, including;
- Negative changes in mood
- Fatigue and low energy levels
- Brain fog and cognitive decline
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Impaired wound healing
- Regular sickness or infections
- Hair loss
It can be challenging to detect a deficiency solely based on these symptoms as they coincide with other health conditions, and Vitamin D deficiencies often go undetected. A blood test is an absolute way to determine if you have a deficiency. At Biocure, we offer micronutrient testing to detect low levels of various vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D.
Risk Factors to Look Out For
There are some people who are more susceptible to developing a Vitamin D deficiency. Those who don’t get enough sun exposure, such as people who work indoors or overnight, can increase their chances of obtaining a Vitamin D deficiency. Older adults tend to have lower levels of Vitamin D due to their minimal sun exposure and because of their age.
Adults who are overweight tend to have a higher risk of developing a Vitamin D deficiency. Some deficiencies are caused by a diet lacking Vitamin D. Although a specific diet can be good for your general needs, it may not provide your body with the right amount of Vitamin D, resulting in a deficiency.
Stay Healthy With Biocure: Deficiency Treatments
Once a deficiency has been detected, it can be easily treated. Going outdoors more can be an excellent treatment and an enjoyable way to get your Vitamin D levels elevated. It’s recommended to get about 10 – 15 minutes of sunlight a day while wearing adequate sunscreen. Supplements are a viable option that can be prescribed or purchased over the counter. At BioCure we structure a treatment plan that involves oral administration, as well as, high-dose injections to get you back to optimal levels. The team at BioCure strives to create Optimal Humans.
Having high levels of Vitamin D is also a possibility, so getting a custom treatment plan can help avoid that problem. Don’t let a Vitamin D deficiency go undetected. Contact us today to test your vitamin levels and help you achieve your health goals.