Some signs of vitamin D deficiency are subtle and shouldn't be ignored.

It’s summer and the sun is shining, so chances are, you’re not thinking too much about your vitamin D consumption. The truth is, many of us suffer from a vitamin D deficiency and no matter how much sun we get in the summer months, it can’t make up for that loss.  But how do you know if you’re lacking in this important vitamin? Some signs and symptoms are obvious.  But others are much more subtle and shouldn’t be ignored.

You’ve been feeling down or depressed.

Depression and feeling down can be related to several physiological and psychological factors. However, there is scientific evidence that links vitamin D deficiency to depression, especially in older people. 

One study found that women given vitamin D supplements during the winter reported decreased symptoms of depression, while another study found a connection between symptoms of depression and low vitamin D levels in obese patients. 

Depression is a complex mental health issue that is best treated with the help of medical professionals, but research suggests that taking a vitamin D supplement might also be a helpful tool.

No matter how much sleep you get, you still feel tired.

Fatigue and tiredness can have a few causes, but a vitamin D deficiency is one of them. Though multiple studies have found that having extremely low levels of vitamin D can induce symptoms such as chronic fatigue and headaches, even being slightly deficient has been shown to lead to feelings of tiredness and low energy. 

After observing 200 female nurses, many of whom complained of fatigue, one study found that 89% of the nurses were deficient in vitamin D.

You’re experiencing chronic lower back pain.

Vitamin D is incredibly important to bone health, as it helps your body absorb calcium and build a strong skeletal system. When you’re deficient, you’re more likely to have bone problems and lower back pain. 

One study of more than 9,000 older women found that there was an association between low vitamin D levels and chronic lower back pain. Some of the women with very low levels of vitamin D even experienced severe back pain that limited their ability to do daily tasks.