Vitamin D is crucial to the overall health of the body, as it helps to keep muscles, bones and teeth healthy, said the NHS. The vitamin is needed to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. A lack of vitamin D can lead to serious complications, including osteomalacia, rickets, or some deformities. You could be at risk of a vitamin D deficiency if you notice some of your hair is falling out, it’s been claimed.
Most people don’t realise that they’re deficient, as symptoms are generally subtle
Franziska Spritzler
Hair loss could be a warning sign of a vitamin D deficiency, warned dietitian Franziska Spritzler.
Low levels of vitamin D has been linked to alopecia areata, which is also known as spot baldness.
It’s an autoimmune condition that’s caused by white blood cells attacking the cells in hair follicles. That causes them to slow down the amount of hair they produce.
“Vitamin D is an extremely important vitamin that has powerful effects on several systems throughout your body,” said Spritzler, writing on medical website Healthline.
“Most people don’t realise that they’re deficient, as symptoms are generally subtle.
“You may not recognise them easily, even if they’re having a significant negative effect on your quality of life.
“When hair loss is severe, it may be the result of a disease or nutrient deficiency.
“Low vitamin D levels are linked to alopecia areata and may be a risk factor for developing the disease.”
Alopecia areata has also been linked to rickets, which is another medical condition that could be caused by a vitamin D deficiency, she added.
But you could also be at risk of a vitamin D deficiency if you find that some of your wounds take longer to heal than normal.
Vitamin D is needed to help produce some of the compounds that are needed to form new skin, said the dietitian.
Good sources of vitamin D
Vitamin D: The best supplement to take during cold winter months is vitamin D due to the lack of sunshine. Here are the best sources of the sunshine vitamin.
Good sources of vitamin D
More common vitamin D deficiency symptoms include feeling very tired, getting sick more often than normal, and having a number of aches and pains.
But you could top up on vitamin D by taking supplements. During the winter months, it’s recommended that everyone takes a 10mcg supplement every day.
That’s because the sun isn’t strong enough for the body to naturally make enough vitamin D.
Alternatively, you could try adding more vitamin D-rich foods to your diet. The best food sources of vitamin D include oily fish, eggs, mushrooms, and some fortified products.
Speak to a doctor if you’re worried about the signs or symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency.
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