Is persistent fatigue in the cold a sign of vitamin D deficiency?
Many people experience persistent fatigue during the winter season. This could be a sign of vitamin D deficiency, which should not be taken lightly. Let's learn more about this from Dr. Subhash Giri.
Many people experience more fatigue, weakness, and a lack of energy than usual during the cold season. A major reason for this could be a vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D plays an essential role in maintaining strong bones, supporting the immune system, and maintaining proper muscle function. It helps the body absorb calcium, which maintains strong bones and teeth. Furthermore, it also helps maintain mood and energy levels.
Vitamin D deficiency can occur due to many reasons, the most common being insufficient sun exposure. Furthermore, spending more time indoors during winter, pollution, obesity, aging, and nutritional deficiencies can also reduce vitamin D levels. Certain medications can also affect vitamin D absorption.
Symptoms appear gradually, including persistent fatigue, muscle aches, bone weakness, frequent colds, hair loss, and mood swings. Some people also experience stiffness in the morning and lethargy throughout the day. If the deficiency persists for a long time, bones begin to weaken and the risk of fractures may increase.
Why does winter cause vitamin D deficiency? Is persistent fatigue a symptom of a deficiency?
Dr. Subhash Giri, of the Department of Medicine at RML Hospital in Delhi, explains that in winter, sunlight rises later and its intensity is lower.
People stay indoors most of the time to avoid the cold, preventing adequate sun exposure. Vitamin D is primarily produced by sunlight, so its levels drop rapidly in winter. Furthermore, wearing thick clothing, pollution, and clouds also prevent sunlight from reaching the skin properly.
Dr. Subhash Giri explained that persistent fatigue is one of the main symptoms of vitamin D deficiency. When the body is low in this vitamin, muscles weaken and energy levels are affected.
This can cause a person to feel lethargic, heavy, and weak throughout the day. If these symptoms worsen in the cold, it is important to consult a doctor.
How to prevent it?
- Sit in the mild morning sunlight for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Include eggs, milk, curd, mushrooms and fortified food in your diet.
- If needed, consult a doctor for vitamin D supplements.
- Do light exercise regularly.
- Keep your weight under control.
- Pay special attention to the sun exposure habits of children and the elderly.