Vitamin D Deficiency: What Are the Signs and Symptoms? 

Vitamin D, often called the "sunshine vitamin," is essential for bone health, muscle function, and immune support. While the body produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, many people do not get enough—leading to deficiency and related health issues.

Signs & Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency can develop gradually, making symptoms easy to overlook. Common signs include:

• Muscle weakness
• Chronic fatigue or low energy
• Bone pain or frequent body aches
• Muscle cramps or soreness
• Mood swings, including anxiety or depression

Severe deficiency has also been linked to cardiovascular disease, weakened immune function, and an increased risk of certain cancers.

What Causes Vitamin D Deficiency?

Several factors can contribute to low vitamin D levels, including:

• Inadequate dietary intake – Vitamin D is naturally found in fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified dairy products, and fish liver oils. Strict vegan diets may increase the risk of deficiency.
• Limited sun exposure – Spending most of your time indoors, covering your skin for religious or medical reasons, or living in northern latitudes can reduce natural vitamin D production.
• Darker skin tones – Melanin reduces the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D, increasing deficiency risk in individuals with darker skin.
• Kidney dysfunction – The kidneys help convert vitamin D into its active form. People with kidney disease may have trouble maintaining proper vitamin D levels.
• Digestive disorders – Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and cystic fibrosis can interfere with vitamin D absorption.
• Obesity – Fat cells store vitamin D, preventing it from circulating effectively in the body.

How to Increase Your Vitamin D Levels

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the deficiency. Some common ways to boost vitamin D levels include:

• Increasing Sun Exposure – Spend 15–30 minutes outside daily, preferably in the morning or late afternoon, to avoid sunburn.
• Adjusting Your Diet – Eat more vitamin D-rich foods, including salmon, tuna, egg yolks, and fortified dairy or plant-based milk.
• Taking Vitamin D Supplements – For individuals who can’t get enough sunlight or dietary vitamin D, supplements may be recommended by a doctor.

Personalized Vitamin D Treatment at BASS Medical Group

If you suspect vitamin D deficiency or experience related symptoms, the specialists at BASS Medical Group can help. Our team of primary care doctors, endocrinologists, and other medical specialists can diagnose and treat vitamin D deficiency based on your unique health needs.

Schedule an appointment today to get tested and find the best treatment for optimal bone and immune health.