Can vitamin D deficiency cause tiredness and muscle weakness?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 34-year-old woman. I have been staying home, and I rarely step outside for the last three years. I have not exposed myself to the sunlight. I am afraid that I am deficient in vitamin D because I have been facing tiredness, muscle weakness, and severe hair loss. Do these indicate vitamin D deficiency? If so, how do you recover from this? Please suggest dietary modifications or supplements that are rich in vitamin D.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

The recommended daily amount of vitamin D is 400 international units (IU) for children up to age 12 months, 600 IU for people ages 1 to 70 years, and 800 IU for people over 70 years. In summary, long-term supplementation with vitamin D3 in doses ranging from 5000 to 50,000 IUs/day appears to be safe. When vitamin D levels are low, and the body is not able to properly absorb calcium and phosphorus, there is an increased risk of bone pain, bone fractures, muscle pain, and muscle weakness. In older adults, severe vitamin D deficiency (levels less than 10 ng/mL) may also contribute to an increased risk of falls.

Fatty fish: Fatty fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, tuna, trout, and sardines are excellent sources of vitamin D. Consuming these fish regularly can provide a significant amount of this nutrient.
Shellfish: Oysters and prawns are the highest in vitamin D if you frequently eat shellfish.

I hope this information helps you.

Revert in case of queries.

Regards.