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Many health problems may be linked to low vitamin D levels

Category: Vitamin D Deficiency-Diagnosis and Treatment

For individuals who have experienced extended bouts of low mood and energy levels that have gone unexplained, it may be time to talk to the doctor about blood testing for vitamin D. Experts say that this nutrient is linked to a number of areas of health, including ones that most people may never have thought of before.

"It has so many functions in the body," Dr. Michele Couri told the Peoria Star Journal. "It helps with calcium absorption, bone mineralization. It helps the pancreas process insulin. It helps our immune systems."

She added that vitamin D has also been linked to mood and energy levels. Many people occasionally experience low mood and fatigue, but there is a lack of how vitamin D influences these areas. Therefore, many individuals never receive an accurate diagnosis of their problems.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that about one-third of all adults may have insufficient levels of vitamin D. The problem may be even worse in rural and urban areas. With the wide range of health benefits associated with the nutrient, individuals may want to consider blood testing to determine if they have sufficient levels.