Vitamin D deficiency: The sign of low levels to spot on your head – ‘earliest symptom’

Lorraine: Dr Amir says spine could shrink if deficient in vitamin D

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Vitamin D plays a central role in managing levels of calcium and phosphate in the body. Therefore, low levels of the nutrient are unsurprisingly linked to complications in the bones. Symptoms associated with low vitamin D levels typically include fatigue, bone pain and mood changes. Some of the first warning signs, however, may appear on the head.

According to the Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that has long been known to help the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus; both are critical for building bone.

Suboptimal levels of the nutrient have been linked to a host of ailments including cancer, diabetes, dementia and arthritis.

But the symptoms associated with vitamin D deficiency can be ill-defined, as they characterise a host of other conditions too.

Generally speaking, warning signs encompass changes in energy levels or nagging pains in the body.

READ MORE: Supplements warning: The vitamin linked to a 22% increased risk of bleeding in the brain

But a sudden shift in your sweating patterns may also warrant a visit to your GP.

According to New West Physicians: “Among the first symptoms of vitamin D deficiency is a sweaty head.

“If you have given birth, you probably remember that the physical asked you several times during the first months of childbirth whether your newborn has a sweaty head.

“The reason is simple, sweaty head [or] excessive sweating is one of the first and earliest symptoms of vitamin D deficiency.”

Who’s at risk?

Vitamin D levels are exceptionally low in the UK, like most other countries in the northern hemisphere where sunlight is limited.

The standard daily supplement dose is 1,000 iu for adults, and 400 iu for children.

At these doses, the supplement is unlikely to harm the body, but at higher doses, it can lead to toxicity.

Deficiencies can only be picked up by a blood test which can cost up to £145.

But based on your age, sun exposure, skin tone and diet, you should be able to determine your risk of a deficiency.

According to the NHS, people at the highest risk of a deficiency include those who are rarely outdoors or wear clothes that cover up most of their skin.

The health body adds: “If you have dark skin – for example, you have an African, African Caribbean or south Asian background – you may also not make enough vitamin D from sunlight.

“You should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year.”

Vitamin D is both a nutrient we eat and a hormone our bodies make, so regular exposure to the sun and adequate food intake should stave off a deficiency.

Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health explains: “Few foods are naturally rich in vitamin D3. The best sources are the flesh of fatty fish and fish liver oils.

“Smaller amounts are found in egg yolks, cheese and beef liver.

“Certain mushrooms contain some D2, in addition, some commercially sold mushrooms contain a higher amount of D2 due to unintentionally being exposed to a high amount of ultraviolet light.”

Source: Read Full Article