Signs Of A Vitamin D Deficiency

Hair And Bone Loss

Evidence indicates hair and bone loss is a result of a vitamin D deficiency, as vitamin D helps stimulate hair follicle growth. The hair is affected when individuals don't get enough of the nutrient. A deficiency is also linked to alopecia, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. Research shows individuals with alopecia showed lower blood levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D is needed in creating new hair follicles that will also prevent existing hair from falling out. Low bone density is associated with low levels of vitamin D. Those who are chronically low in the vitamin are more likely to have low bone density resulting in broken bones or fractures.

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Depression And Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are two of the most common signs of a vitamin D deficiency. Some individuals experience these mental health issues without realizing there may be an underlying vitamin deficiency causing the problem. One condition, seasonal affective disorder, is caused in part because of the lack of vitamin D individuals experience in the winter. Multiple studies have shown individuals with a vitamin D deficiency also tend to have depression, especially older adults who have a deficiency. In fact, one analysis of different study data indicated sixty-five percent of those with low vitamin D in the blood also experienced depression. Some studies showed there wasn't a significant link between vitamin D and depression. However, individuals in those studies were taking very low dose supplements. Additionally, the studies didn't last for long periods, which means there may not have been enough time to see the long-term effects of vitamin D supplements on mood.

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