Vitamin D Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

Kathmandu. Our body needs Vitamin 'D' very much, it plays an important role in building muscles and keeping bones strong.

By staying in the sun's rays, we get Vitamin D naturally, but by changing diet and lifestyle, the deficiency of Vitamin D can be easily fulfilled.

Sunlight helps the body produce Vitamin D. Doctors say that Vitamin D plays an important role in keeping our bones and muscles strong. It increases the absorption of calcium in the body, which is essential for bone health. Vitamin D also contributes to strengthening immunity, reducing inflammation, and many other essential bodily functions. If a person has a severe deficiency of Vitamin D, they may experience body aches, fatigue, and mood swings. In old age, such people are at risk of dangerous diseases like osteoporosis.

When a person's skin comes in contact with ultraviolet rays, it starts producing this vitamin. Many people maintain adequate Vitamin D levels by regularly sunbathing.

However, due to lifestyle changes, Vitamin D deficiency is becoming common today. Spending too much time indoors, increased screen time, constantly covering the body, and factors like air pollution are reducing people's exposure to sunlight.

Also, other factors like skin color and seasonal changes can affect the amount of Vitamin D produced by the body. Even with adequate sun exposure, some people may still have Vitamin D deficiency.

• Diseases that can be caused by Vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency weakens bones, leading to rickets in children, osteomalacia in adults, and osteoporosis in the elderly. Besides, prolonged Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of bone fractures.

Vitamin D deficiency weakens immunity. This increases the risk of infection. It can also cause frequent colds and respiratory problems.

• How to remove Vitamin D deficiency?

Lifestyle changes are necessary to avoid Vitamin D deficiency. Spending 15 to 30 minutes in the sun three to four times a week in the morning or evening helps to naturally increase Vitamin D levels. Also, including foods like milk, egg yolk, fatty fish, mushrooms, and dairy products in your diet can help fulfill Vitamin D deficiency.

The elderly, pregnant women, overweight individuals, and people who do not stay in the sun are at risk of Vitamin D deficiency.

If you have been experiencing symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency for a long time, do not ignore it. Consult a doctor immediately.

(Disclaimer: This content with advice provides general information only, always consult an expert or your doctor for more information.)