With the clocks soon going backwards, darker and colder days are ahead.
A number of changes to a person’s health will be evident, but there may also be a few changes within the body.
One of these pertinent changes includes a higher risk of being vitamin D deficient.
Most people will not make enough vitamin D from sunlight because they have very little or no sunshine exposure during this time.
This deficiency can have harrowing effects on a person’s body, particularly for bone health.
Other changes that many may not attribute to a vitamin D deficiency include hair loss, mood changes and daytime fatigue.
Symptoms of low vitamin D
“Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, which contribute to keeping bones, teeth and muscles healthy,” says Boots pharmacist Bina Mehta.
It also supports a healthy immune system.
“The amount of vitamin D can vary between supplements.
“Adults should look out for those containing the recommended 10 micrograms, which is equivalent to 400 International Units (IU).”
For those lacking in the essential vitamin, a number of changes and effects may be present.
Daytime fatigue
Although there are many reasons why a person may be suffering with fatigue, a link to low vitamin D levels was further investigated in a study published in the National Library of Medicine.
The research looked at a case study of a 61-year-old man complaining of excessive daytime fatigue.
He was checked for other possible conditions, including depression, sleep apnoea and narcolepsy, which were not evident.
It was noted his vitamin D levels were very low and he was given supplements to help improve it.
“At follow-up in three and 12 months, the patient reported complete resolution of daytime fatigue,” found the researchers.
Hair loss
Vitamin D is metabolised by keratinocytes in the skin.
This means that skin cells are processed by keratin, which is a protein that builds hair, nails and skin.
The vitamin is also involved in various signalling pathways of growth and differentiation of hair follicles.
When the body is lacking in vitamin D, the keratinocytes in hair follicles battle to regulate hair growth and begin to shed.
The result is noticeable hair loss.
Mood changes
The change of seasons, particularly when winter approaches ,will affect a person’s mood - but there may be more to your low mood than just the seasons.
Previous research has found that a vitamin D deficiency may play a role in depression and possibly other mental disorders.
Experts have warned that low vitamin D levels can impair cognitive function and brain health.
Fortunately, this can be easily remedied by either eating a diet rich in vitamin D or taking supplements.
“Since vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin – meaning it doesn't dissolve in water – your body can most easily absorb it when you take it with food, especially fat-containing foods such as a glass of milk,” added Mehta.
“Vitamin D is found in a small number of foods such as oily fish, red meat and egg yolks. You can also find foods, like some fat spreads and breakfast cereals fortified with vitamin D.
“But it’s difficult for people to get enough vitamin D from food alone, so a supplement is recommended during the winter months in addition to a healthy, balanced diet.”
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