What are the neurological symptoms of vitamin D deficiency?

Summary of the Article: Neurological Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency

Muscle weakness in body parts near the trunk of the body, such as the upper arms or thighs. Waddling while walking, due to muscle weakness in the hips or legs. A history of broken bones. Muscle twitches or tremors. Muscle spasms. Bowed legs (when the deficiency is severe).

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may include: Fatigue. Not sleeping well. Bone pain or achiness. Depression or feelings of sadness. Hair loss. Muscle weakness. Loss of appetite. Getting sick more easily.

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to many problems such as dementia, depression, diabetes mellitus, autism, and schizophrenia.

Vitamin D deficiency has been clinically linked to neurological diseases and neuropsychological disorders, cognitive impairment, and neurodegenerative diseases. Research studies have confirmed the function of vitamin D as a neurosteroid which is vital for the normal functioning of the brain.

Because vitamin D is fat soluble, its absorption depends on the gut’s ability to absorb dietary fat. Fat malabsorption is associated with medical conditions that include some forms of liver disease, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.

Generally, it takes a few weeks of taking daily vitamin D supplements for vitamin D levels in the body to rise. Each 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 taken daily is expected to raise blood levels of 25(OH)D by 10 ng/ml after a few weeks.

The two main causes of vitamin D deficiency are not getting enough vitamin D in your diet and/or through sunlight, and your body isn’t properly absorbing or using vitamin D.

Generally, it takes a few weeks of taking daily vitamin D supplements for vitamin D levels in the body to rise. Each 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 taken daily is expected to raise blood levels of 25(OH)D by 10 ng/ml after a few weeks.

Adding an over-the-counter vitamin D supplement can make improvements in just three to four months time.

The meta-analysis provided evidence that low vitamin D is cross-sectionally associated in adults with impaired episodic memory and executive dysfunction, especially mental shifting, informational updating, and processing speed.

Vitamin D insufficiency may relate to higher levels of anxiety and depression, in turn contributing to the elevated risk of psychosis in this population.

Questions:

1. What are the worst symptoms of vitamin D deficiency?
The worst symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include muscle weakness in body parts near the trunk of the body, waddling while walking, a history of broken bones, muscle twitches or tremors, muscle spasms, and bowed legs (when the deficiency is severe).

2. What are the five signs you may have vitamin D deficiency?
The five signs you may have vitamin D deficiency include fatigue, not sleeping well, bone pain or achiness, depression or feelings of sadness, hair loss, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, and getting sick more easily.

3. What happens to the brain when vitamin D is low?
When vitamin D is low, it has been linked to problems such as dementia, depression, diabetes mellitus, autism, and schizophrenia.

4. Can low vitamin D cause nervous system problems?
Yes, vitamin D deficiency has been clinically linked to neurological diseases and neuropsychological disorders, cognitive impairment, and neurodegenerative diseases. It has a vital function as a neurosteroid for the brain.

5. What blocks the absorption of vitamin D?
The absorption of vitamin D depends on the gut’s ability to absorb dietary fat. Conditions associated with fat malabsorption, such as liver disease, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis, can block the absorption of vitamin D.

6. How long does it take to recover from severe vitamin D deficiency?
It generally takes a few weeks of taking daily vitamin D supplements for the levels to rise in the body. Each 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 taken daily is expected to raise blood levels of 25(OH)D by 10 ng/ml after a few weeks.

7. What causes vitamin D to drop?
The two main causes of vitamin D deficiency are not getting enough vitamin D in the diet and/or through sunlight, and the body not properly absorbing or using vitamin D.

8. How long does it take to recover from a vitamin D deficiency?
Generally, it takes a few weeks of taking daily vitamin D supplements for the levels to rise in the body. Each 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 taken daily is expected to raise blood levels of 25(OH)D by 10 ng/ml after a few weeks.

9. How long does it take to recover from vitamin D deficiency?
Adding an over-the-counter vitamin D supplement can make improvements in just three to four months.

10. Can vitamin D deficiency cause mental confusion?
Yes, studies have found that low vitamin D levels are associated with impaired episodic memory and executive dysfunction, including mental shifting, informational updating, and processing speed.

11. Can low vitamin D cause anxiety and panic attacks?
Vitamin D insufficiency may relate to higher levels of anxiety and depression, contributing to an elevated risk of psychosis.

12. Can vitamin D deficiency affect muscle strength?
Yes, vitamin D deficiency can lead to muscle weakness and affect muscle strength.

13. Does vitamin D deficiency affect bone health?
Yes, vitamin D deficiency can impact bone health and increase the risk of bone-related problems, such as osteoporosis and fractures.

14. Can vitamin D deficiency cause fatigue?
Yes, vitamin D deficiency can cause fatigue and low energy levels.

15. How can you prevent vitamin D deficiency?
To prevent vitamin D deficiency, it is important to ensure adequate sun exposure, consume foods rich in vitamin D, and consider vitamin D supplements if necessary.