Mental and physical symptoms of vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D is often referred to as the "sunshine vitamin" due to the fact the body naturally creates the vitamin when exposed to the sun's ultraviolet-B rays (UVB rays).

In northern regions, during the winter months, the sun's rays are not quite as strong and many people spend less time outdoors basking in the golden sunlight.

As a result, the risk of a vitamin D deficiency can increase for those who do not eat a well-balanced diet.

Though there are many physical symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency, some signs may impact your mental health.

Vitamin D naturally occurs in a number of foods, and many foods are also fortified with the vitamin.

However, those who do not consume enough vitamin D may begin to suffer symptoms of a deficiency.

Although there are some common physical signs of a vitamin D deficiency, experts say that there are also some mental symptoms people might not realise are warning signs.

Low mood, fatigue and tiredness and "brain fog" are among the mental symptoms one might experience if low in vitamin D.

Other common symptoms include "impaired wound healing, hair loss and breakage, susceptibility to bone fractures and muscle and bone pain".

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is available from food in two forms – vitamin D2 found in plant foods and vitamin D3 found in animal sources.

According to the nutritional therapist, Vitamin D rich foods include oily fish, liver, red meat and dairy products.

002