Vitamin D deficiency symptoms: The top warning signs Share it on Facebook

It is well known the importance of vitamin D in human body, whose production is activated from our sun exposure. Researchers at the Medical University of Vienna, recently, announced the results of a ten-year study that had a sample of 78,000 people. Those with low levels of vitamin D in their blood are three times more likely to die prematurely.

The most dangerous ages are from 45 to 60, and after 60 the risk decreases sharply.

Here are nine of the most common symptoms of vitamin D deficiency:
• Asthma - Vitamin D supplementation of 1,200 IU daily can reduce asthma attacks and their severity.
• Depression- Vitamin D deficiencies have been linked to depression and other psychiatric illnesses.
• Heart disease - An article published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research says that cardiovascular disease is much more common in people with chronically low vitamin D levels.
• High blood pressure - High blood pressure has been associated with deficiencies in calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamin D.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis - This is a devastating disease that causes widespread inflammation, major pain and joint damage. There are studies showing that vitamin D can ease the pain and stiffness associated with this disease.
• Multiple sclerosis - Studies have shown that geography matters when it comes to the odds of getting MS. Researchers have found that the farther you live from the equator, and the less sun exposure you get, the more likely you are to develop the disease.
• Cancer - Several forms of cancer have been linked to a deficiency in vitamin D including breast, colon and prostate cancers.
• Periodontal disease - This inflammation of the gums can cause pain, bleeding and tooth loss. Vitamin D helps in the formation of defensins and cathelicidins which, in turn, can lower the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
• Diabetes - An article from World's Healthiest Foods says that poor blood-sugar control is a symptom of vitamin D deficiency. This can then increase the risk of developing diabetes.

Below are the recommended daily intake of vitamin D according to the U.S. Institutes of Medicine (IOM):

• Infants 0-12 months: 400 IU (10 micrograms [mcg])
• Children 1-18 years: 600 IU (15 mcg)
• Adults aged 70: 600 IU (15 mcg)
• Adults over 70: 800 IU (20 mcg)
• Pregnant or lactating women: 600 IU (15 mcg)

90% of these amounts come from sun exposure, which is recommended for 20 minutes a day, with bare hands and feet (eg sleeveless shirts and shorts), early in the morning (before 11am) or after 5 in the afternoon.