Vitamin D Deficiency: What Are the Signs and Symptoms? 

Often called the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D plays a key role in bone strength, immune support, and muscle function. While your body naturally makes vitamin D from sunlight, many people don’t get enough—especially in modern indoor lifestyles or due to medical conditions.

Left untreated, vitamin D deficiency can affect your energy, mood, and long-term health.

Signs & Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency

Because it develops gradually, vitamin D deficiency is often overlooked. Watch for these common signs:

• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Chronic fatigue or low energy
• Bone pain or frequent body aches
• Mood swings, including anxiety or depression
• Slow recovery from illness or frequent infections

In severe cases, a deficiency may contribute to osteoporosis, heart disease, weakened immune function, or increased cancer risk.

What Causes Vitamin D Deficiency?

Several factors can interfere with your body’s ability to produce or absorb vitamin D:

• Limited Sun Exposure – Spending most of your time indoors or wearing full skin coverage can reduce vitamin D production.
• Darker Skin Tones – Higher melanin levels reduce the skin’s ability to synthesize vitamin D.
• Inadequate Diet – Vegan or low-fat diets may lack enough vitamin D-rich foods.
• Kidney or Liver Disorders – These organs help activate vitamin D; dysfunction may limit usable levels.
• Digestive Conditions – Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or cystic fibrosis can reduce vitamin absorption.
• Obesity – Fat cells can store vitamin D, making it less available to the body.

How to Increase Your Vitamin D Levels

Treatment depends on the severity and cause of your deficiency. Your doctor may recommend:

Increase Sunlight Exposure

Try spending 15–30 minutes in the sun daily, preferably in the morning or late afternoon. Just be cautious to avoid sunburn.

Eat Vitamin D-Rich Foods

Focus on foods like:

• Fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines)
• Egg yolks
• Fortified dairy or plant-based milk
• Mushrooms exposed to UV light

Take Vitamin D Supplements

If you can’t get enough through sunlight or diet, supplements may be prescribed. Doses vary by need, so always consult a medical provider before starting supplements.

Get Personalized Treatment at BASS Medical Group

If you're dealing with fatigue, joint pain, or low immunity, don’t ignore the signs. BASS Medical Group offers comprehensive vitamin D testing and treatment in Walnut Creek, Concord, and throughout the Bay Area.

Our experienced primary care physicians and endocrinologists can:

• Diagnose vitamin D deficiency
• Identify the root cause
• Provide a personalized treatment plan for better bone and immune health

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