We all know that to be fit and healthy we need to fuel our bodies, keep hydrated and make sure we get plenty of natural sunlight. We’re a bit like house plants in that respect! 

Despite our best efforts, many of us regularly fall short when it comes to getting our recommended daily allowance of certain nutrients. One such vitamin is vitamin D. It’s been in the press a lot recently due to the fact that lockdown has been in full effect and quite frankly, the weather outside is frightful! We’ve all spent more time indoors than usual this year, hence a decline in naturally occurring vitamin D. But why is that so important? 

Well, our skin converts the sun’s UVB rays into vitamin D. So if our everyday environments (stuck at home indoors or even in an office) limit our exposure to natural light, that process simply can’t happen. 

We’re also far more aware of the damage that exposure to UVA and UVB rays can do and are clued up about just how important it is to wear a sunscreen or moisturiser with a high SPF. 

On top of that, our bodies ability to produce vitamin D, as with collagen, declines as we age. Because we’re simply not producing enough vitamin D through exposure to sunshine, we need alternative sources, through the food we consume or a high-quality supplement. Did you know that Reverse Life marine collagen contains 200% of the minimum RDA of vitamin D? Why not shop our best offers today.

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Why Is Vitamin D So Important?

The vitamin D we consume is first broken down in the liver, then again in the kidneys where it’s used to optimise calcium absorption to support stronger, healthier bones. Vitamin D also regulates our phosphorous levels, essential for cellular function in just about every tissue in the body. 

It’s critical not just for muscle health, but also things like memory, general wellbeing, our moods as well as heart function. Our immune cells also contain vitamin D receptors, making this an essential vitamin to support immune function. It’s all pretty important stuff and it’s the reason why we insisted that vitamin D be included in our anti-ageing and immunity protecting Reverse Life marine collagen drink. 

How Do I Know If I Am Vitamin D Deficient?

A blood test is the best way to firmly establish any vitamin D deficiency but the following 7 signs might also indicate that it’s time to top up on your daily dose of vitamin D.

1. You’re Frequently Feeling Run Down

If you feel like you’re forever dodging a cold and fending off illnesses left, right and centre, this could be indicative of a lack of vitamin D. It’s thought that low levels of vitamin D directly affect the body’s ability to respond to and fight infections. By supplementing your diet with an additional source of vitamin D, you could provide your body with an immunoprotective effect. So if you want to bolster your immunity, grab a daily capful of Reverse Life marine collagen which is packed with 10mcg of vitamin D.

2. You Feel Tired All The Time

We’re not just talking about that 3pm lull when you fancy a cuppa and a biscuit or even a quick power nap! Hey! We won’t judge. Who doesn't love an afternoon nap? We’re talking about a never-ending energy slump that you just can’t shake off. While you might well be suffering from the effects of long-COVID, it might also be that you are lacking in vitamin D. It’s thought that vitamin D influences our sleep-wake cycle. Reason again to top yours up.

3. Your Bone Density Levels Are In Decline

As we established earlier, vitamin D plays a vital role in calcium absorption, the key to bone density, strength and growth. Without adequate vitamin D, bones become brittle and weak, leading to issues including osteoporosis. Vitamin D deficiency and low bone mineral density in menopausal women is also a real concern so it’s recommended that peri-menopausal, menopausal and post menopausal women in particular take a collagen and vitamin D supplement daily.

4. You Have Nagging Back Pain

Back pain is another bone-related consequence of low levels of vitamin D and again, is something particularly prevalent in menopausal women. As we age, our muscle strength declines. Something known as sarcopenia. 

5. You’re Feeling S.A.D And Depressed

Seasonal Affective Disorder is real. A lack of natural sunlight can lead to heightened feelings of depression and this may well be linked to a vitamin D deficiency. The brain literally contains tons of vitamin D receptors. If we’re not accessing enough of this essential vitamin, then brain function and our mood might be negatively impacted. 

6. Your Muscles Are Aching

A further unexpected sign of vitamin D deficiency is constant muscle pain and weakness. We’ve talked a couple of times now about the importance of calcium. Lack of vitamin D decreases calcium and other electrolytes in the body which can lead to dysfunction and weakness.

7. Sudden Hair Loss

Finally, a sudden and notable loss of hair has been linked to low levels of vitamin D, especially in women. Research suggests that because vitamin D receipts also play an important role in hair follicle function.

If you are concerned about hair loss, you might also find our blog, How Can I Stimulate Hair Growth And Reverse Hair Loss of interest. You can read it HERE.

How Can I Treat A Vitamin D Deficiency?

A good daily supplement should do the trick and wherever possible, take yourself outdoors for a walk in nature. Good for the body but also the mind! 

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