Vitamin d deficiency: How do I know if my Vitamin D levels are low?

Vitamin D is mainly produced when your body gets direct sunlight, but you can also get it through your diet. Spending more time indoors over the lockdown period could’ve seen your Vitamin D levels drop. Express.co.uk explains what this could mean for you, and how to avoid decreasing Vitamin D levels.

How do I know if my Vitamin D is low?

Vitamin D deficiency causes mild symptoms, but these can turn into more severe symptoms such as rickets.

If you’re spending too much time inside or eating a poor diet, you might suspect your Vitamin D levels are low

The symptoms include:

  • Fatigue and tiredness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Depression
  • Recurrent infections
  • Muscle aches and pains
  • Bone pain

Young children with Vitamin D deficiency can develop rickets, and adults may find their bones start to soften.

READ MORE- Vitamin D deficiency symptoms: The frequent feeling that can be a sign

Fish

It’s good news for fish-lovers, since fish is packed with Vitamin D.

Mr Hobson said: “Opt for fish dishes: Seafood, particularly oily fish such as herring, mackerel, or canned or fresh salmon, are among the richest natural food sources of vitamin D.

“Substitute meat for fish, or simply add fish to a lunchtime salad – this will also help heart-health, thanks to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids.”

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are another easy way to sneak some Vitamin D into your diet.

Mr Hobson explained: “For vegetarians and vegans in particular, mushrooms are among the only completely plant-based source of vitamin D.

“When grown under UV light, they make their own vitamin D – much like humans!

“Alternatively, leaving mushrooms on the windowsill before eating them has been shown to increase vitamin D too.

“A great-value option when cooking at home, try adding mushrooms to pasta dishes, slicing up for a salad, or simply using them as a morning toast topping.”

source: express.co.uk