Signs You Have Vitamin D Deficiency That Your Body Is WARNING You About

Vitamin D is an extremely important vitamin that has powerful effects on several systems throughout the body.

Unlike most vitamins, vitamin D actually functions like a hormone and every single cell in your body has a receptor for it.

Your body makes it from cholesterol when your skin is exposed to sunlight.

It’s also found in certain foods such as fatty fish and fortified dairy products, although it’s very difficult to get enough from diet alone.

The recommended daily intake is usually around 400-800 IU, but many experts say you should get even more than that.

Vitamin D deficiency is very common. It’s estimated that about 1 billion people worldwide have low levels of vitamins in their blood.

According to a 2011 study, 41.6 percent of adults in the U.S. are deficient. This number goes up to 69.2 percent in Hispanics and 82.1 percent in African-Americans.

These are common risk factors for vitamin D deficiency:

Having dark skin.

Being elderly.

Being overweight or obese.

Not eating much fish or milk.

Living far from the equator where there is little sun year-round.

Always use sunscreen when going out.

Staying indoors.

People who live near the equator and get frequent sun exposure are less likely to be deficient because their skin produces enough vitamin D to satisfy the body’s needs.

Most people don’t realize that they are deficient, because the symptoms are generally subtle. You may not notice them easily, even if they are having a significant negative effect on your quality of life.

Here are TWELVE signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.