The warning signs for vitamin D deficiency aren't always obvious. If you're not feeling yourself, especially in the winter months, then you might be deficient in vitamin D.
🕒 5 min read
Vitamin D deficiency symptoms: a quick checklist
Vitamin D deficiency can cause bone pain and muscle weakness, although some people have no obvious symptoms. Tiredness and general aches can also occur, but symptoms alone cannot tell you whether your vitamin D is low.1
- Bone pain or tenderness, particularly in your back, ribs, pelvis or legs.
- Muscle weakness, such as difficulty climbing stairs or getting out of a chair.
- General aches or tiredness that do not settle.
If you notice persistent symptoms, speak to your GP, who can assess possible causes and decide whether a blood test is needed.3
Vitamin D is vital for the human body to function
Vitamin D has a whole host of benefits, including keeping our bones and teeth healthy and supporting normal immune and muscle function.
Why you might be vitamin D deficient
Though you can get some vitamin D through food, most of it will come from the sun. During the winter, our bodies are less exposed to UVB rays and therefore sometimes won't be able to get enough. People who spend little time outdoors, cover most of their skin or have dark skin are at greater risk of not getting enough vitamin D.2
Vitamin D deficiency signs at a glance
| Possible sign | What you may notice | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Bone pain | Aches or tenderness in the back, ribs, pelvis or legs. | Ask your GP about pain that persists. |
| Muscle weakness | Finding stairs or getting up from a chair harder. | Discuss new or ongoing weakness with your GP. |
| Tiredness or general aches | Feeling unusually tired or achy. | These have many causes; do not assume vitamin D is the reason. |
| No obvious symptoms | You may feel well despite low vitamin D. | Follow seasonal supplement advice and consider your risk factors. |
This checklist is a guide, not a diagnosis. Osteomalacia is a condition involving soft bones in adults.1
Immune system
Vitamin D supports normal immune function. Catching colds frequently does not, on its own, mean you have a vitamin D deficiency.
Asthma
Worsening asthma is not a reliable sign of vitamin D deficiency. If your symptoms are getting worse, follow your asthma action plan and seek medical advice rather than changing your treatment or relying on a supplement.
Muscle weakness, bone aches and joint pain
If your legs feel heavy, you notice difficulty getting out of your chair or are generally feeling weak, this could be due to a lack of vitamin D in the body affecting your muscles and bones. These symptoms can also have other causes. Being deficient can lead to bone deformities including rickets in children, and muscle weakness and pain in the spine, ribs, shoulder or pelvis in adults, due to a condition called osteomalacia (soft bones).1
Low mood and irritability
Feeling low or irritable is not a reliable way to identify vitamin D deficiency. To keep calm this winter, exercise, a healthier diet and mindfulness techniques can be useful ways to keep your mood in check. Speak to your GP if low mood persists.
What to do if you think your vitamin D is low
Speak to your GP about persistent bone pain, muscle weakness or other symptoms. They can assess your symptoms and decide whether to test your vitamin D levels. If a deficiency is diagnosed, follow their treatment advice.3
NHS advice is to consider a daily supplement containing 10mcg (400 IU) of vitamin D during autumn and winter. People at higher risk, including those with little sun exposure or dark skin, should consider taking it throughout the year.2
A food supplement can help maintain your intake, but a diagnosed deficiency may need prescribed treatment. Explore Healthspan Super Strength Vitamin D3 and follow the product label. Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
