Vitamins are compounds which are necessary for the growth and development of human beings. These vitamins help maintain bodily functions such as metabolism, immunity and digestion. They also make sure that your body grows and functions optimally. Vitamin D plays a substantial role in the regulation of calcium in the body and maintaining the level of phosphorous in the blood. These nutrients are required to keep your bones, teeth and muscles healthy. Vitamin D deficiency means that your body is not getting enough of it to stay healthy. The human body requires vitamin D in order to absorb calcium and promote bone growth. The risk of cognitive impairment as well as cardiovascular diseases in adults, have also been associated with Vitamin D deficiency.   

What is Vitamin D?
Known as the ‘Sunshine vitamin’, vitamin D is produced in response to the human body being exposed to sunlight. It is also one of the fat-soluble vitamins and there are two forms of it, D2 and D3. Fortified foods like fatty fish such as Tuna, Mackerel and Salmon, Egg yolks, some dairy products, plant foods and supplements include a fair amount of Vitamin D. Research has revealed the importance of Vitamin D in protecting against a host of health problems.   

The Health Capsule got in touch with Dr. Renuka Jayatissa, Consultant Medical Nutritionist at the Medical Research Institute, who explained to us the importance of the nutrition that 
Vitamin D provides.   

“The lack of Vitamin D has a direct impact on your bones. Vitamin D levels are strongly associated with chronic back pain and the lack of Vitamin D could weaken your bones. People who lack Vitamin D in their system are liable to get bone fractures and osteoporosis later in their lives. The lack of Vitamin D causes Rickets in children, which is a condition that results in soft and fragile bones. Just as bone ailments are quite common in people who suffer from the lack of Vitamin D, muscle fatigue and muscle weakness might occur frequently too,”explained Dr. Jayatissa. 

How can you tell if there is Vitamin D deficiency?
Vitamin D deficiency is incredibly common, but most people seem to be unaware of it. The symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency are often subtle and non specific, but there are some prominent symptoms that you need to take seriously too. 

 
- Bone pain and back pain  
- Frequent bone fractures  
- Muscle weakness  
- Unexplained fatigue  

Why is Vitamin D important? 
Vitamin D is extremely important when it comes to your immune system, brain and nervous system as well. It helps regulate insulin levels, aids diabetes management as well as supports lung function and improved cardiovascular health. By making sure that you eat a balanced diet rich in vitamin D and taking supplements when needed would help in rectifying the lack of vitamin D in your system. Getting plenty of sleep and making healthy choices when it comes to your health can also be extremely beneficial. Nutrients are essential in order to maintain your health. Making sure that the lack of these nutrients doesn’t impact your health, affecting almost every aspect of your life is extremely important when it comes to being a healthy human being.