Vitamin D Deficiency And Its Effect On Women

Vitamin D is an important nutrient that has a significant effect on various functions of the body. Vitamin D has traditionally been linked to calcium and skeletal metabolism, but recent studies show it has even broader health effects. Vitamin D deficiency causes, among other things, bone softening.

Vitamin D is not actually a vitamin, but a fat-soluble precursor of the hormone calcitriol. The liver converts vitamin D that is eaten or formed in the skin to calcidiol. The kidneys then convert calcidiol, as needed, to calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D.

Women need to be careful about their vitamin D intake, especially during breastfeeding and  pregnancy –  especially if vitamin D supplements are not used to support their diet. Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for the development of the fetus and its resistance and skeleton.

If you suffer from the symptoms we have listed below, we recommend that you talk to your doctor, who will probably recommend measuring your blood counts. Blood tests are the only way to find out your body’s exact vitamin D.

Vitamin D deficiency and its effect on women

The human body, and more specifically the skin, itself produces vitamin D when exposed to a sufficient amount of ultraviolet radiation. In Finland, the amount of vitamin D produced on the skin remains too low, especially in winter, in which case it is recommended to take vitamin D in the form of food or vitamin supplements. Particularly good sources of vitamin D are fatty fish, cod liver oil and mushrooms.

Although vitamin D deficiency in adults is quite rare today, vitamin D intake should be taken seriously, as deficiency symptoms can be severe. These include bone softening, persistent chronic pain in bones, joints and muscles, and depression and fatigue.

1. High blood pressure

High blood pressure is a common ailment and a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Vitamin D plays an important role in a woman’s health and helps reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease due to high blood pressure.

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to an increase in blood pressure, and thus eating a vitamin D supplement is one of the best ways to control your blood pressure.

2. Depression

Vitamin D deficiency can also cause depression.  There is a significant association between low vitamin D levels and depressive symptoms. Vitamin D also plays a role in regulating serotonin production.

Serotonin is a brain neurotransmitter that regulates appetite and mood and is activated by vitamin D. Therefore, vitamin D is a crucial factor in mood and a particularly important aid to depressed patients.

3. Fatigue and lack of sleep

One of the main functions of vitamin D is  to help calcium be absorbed by the body  in addition to fighting fatigue and stimulating the immune system. Fatigue and drowsiness are some of the most well-known symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in women.

Vitamin D is an important part of metabolism and resistance. In the same way, it also plays a key role in maintaining women’s sleep quality.

4. Joints and bones

Joint pain is one of the main symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in women.  Vitamin D can actually relieve muscle and bone pain. Vitamin D promotes and strengthens the proper functioning of muscles and reduces the risk of fractures. In addition, vitamin D prevents bone loss and reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis,  a common disease in postmenopausal women.

Vitamin D is an organic compound essential for metabolism. Therefore, following a balanced diet and a daily dose of sunlight is important.