Vitamin D is also referred to as the sunshine vitamin, since your body can produce it when your skin gets exposure to the sun. This vital, fat-soluble nutrient keeps your bones healthy and strong, nurtures cells and boosts immune function. It also plays a role in shielding your body against various illnesses.

Here are 7 diseases caused by vitamin D deficiency.

Bone and back pain

Inadequate vitamin D levels can cause bone and lower back discomfort.

Vitamin D improves calcium absorption in the body, which helps to maintain bone health.

Lower levels of vitamin D were associated with severe pain in one trial of 98 people with lower back pain. However, a thorough research evaluation discovered that this link was inconsistent across other studies of a comparable nature.

People with arthritis, muscle pain and chronic pain had lower vitamin D levels than people without these illnesses, according to a study of 81 people.

Osteomalacia

Inadequate vitamin D levels can induce bone loss, which can lead to osteoporosis and fractures.

Vitamin D insufficiency can cause a variety of problems. In children, it can cause "Rickets." Rickets is a devastating disorder that causes bones to weaken and bend. Adults with severe vitamin D insufficiency develop "Osteomalacia." Brittle bones, bone soreness and muscle weakness are all symptoms of osteomalacia.

Impaired wound healing

Slow wound healing after injury or surgery could indicate towards a vitamin D deficiency.

In fact, data from a test-tube study suggest that vitamin D boosts the creation of chemicals that are essential for wound healing and the formation of new skin.

Vitamin D insufficiency hampered several elements of healing in those recovering from dental surgery, reveals a study.

Vitamin D's impact in reducing inflammation and combating infections could be crucial for healing.

Low bone mineral density

Calcium absorption and bone metabolism are both aided by vitamin D.

This is significant since taking vitamin D and calcium at the same time allows your body to absorb them more effectively.

Low bone mineral density indicates that calcium and other minerals have been lost from your bones. Fractures are more likely to occur in older people, particularly women.

In a large observational study, researchers discovered a clear relationship between low vitamin D levels and low bone mineral density. However, when women who with low vitamin D took high dose supplements, their bone mineral density did not improve, even though their blood levels did.

Nonetheless, getting enough vitamin D could be an excellent way to protect your bone mass and lower your risk of fractures.

Weight Gain

One risk factor for vitamin D insufficiency is obesity.

In 1 adult study, researchers discovered a possible relationship between low vitamin D levels and belly fat and weight gain, however the effects were more prominent in men.

While vitamin D deficiency has been linked to obesity, more research is needed to see if supplementing with this vitamin will help people avoid weight gain.

Anxiety

Anxiety problems are often associated with vitamin D deficiency.

Calcidiol, a type of vitamin D, was shown to be lower in patients with anxiety and depression, according to one study.

In a separate study, appropriate vitamin D levels were found to help lower anxiety symptoms, enhance sleep quality, and even avert postpartum depression in pregnant women.

Depression

Researchers have discovered that many patients who suffer from depression also have low amounts of vitamin D in their blood, suggesting that the two conditions are linked.

Low levels of vitamin D during pregnancy, have been linked to postpartum depression, according to several studies, and researchers have discovered plausible links between depression and low vitamin D levels.

Several high-quality studies have found that taking vitamin D supplements improves the symptoms of depression in distinct groups of people.

However, more research is needed for a clearer picture on the topic.

As can be seen, deficiency of vitamin D can lead to several serious illnesses. That’s why it’s prudent to get your blood levels tested regularly for the deficiency. Don’t hesitate in consulting a physician if you are vitamin D deficient. Early detection may help prevent these diseases.