Signs You Could Be Deficient in Vitamin D (and Feeling Blah)

Gourmandize Staff, 11/17/2021

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During autumn and winter, the days get shorter, and we're outside much less often. That means less time in the sun and a potential risk for vitamin D deficiency. If you're not getting enough of this vital nutrient, it can mess with your well-being in multiple ways.

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Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency occurs in a large proportion of the population, especially during the autumn and winter months.

In the summertime, or especially when we're on vacation in warm places and spend a lot of time outside, our body is able to produce vitamin D from exposure to direct sunlight. But as the days get shorter and the temperature gets colder, we start to spend more time indoors. This causes our bodies' reserves to get used up quickly, leaving us vulnerable to deficiencies.

On top of that, malnutrition, an increased need during pregnancy or impaired utilization of vitamin D (due to stomach or intestinal diseases) can also lead to a vitamin D deficiency.

If you suspect you're deficient in vitamin D, here are the symptoms to look for and how to treat them.