Lethargy, commonly known as fatigue, is a primary symptom of vitamin D deficiency, according to The World's Healthiest Foods website. Unfortunately, many people fail to see the link between the two and spend many years miserable when they could be enjoying better health. Working with a health professional to test vitamin D levels and determine if lethargic symptoms are an indication of a vitamin D deficiency will help patients decide what to do next for their health.
Facts
Muscle weakness, chronic fatigue and low energy levels can all be signs of a vitamin D deficiency, according to The World's Healthiest Foods. While vitamin D is available through exposure to the sun and a number of foods, many people do not get all of the vitamin D they need on a daily basis without deliberate effort.
Effects
The effects of long-term vitamin D deficiency go well beyond lethargy. Though low energy is a prime symptom, The World's Healthiest Foods notes that impaired cognitive function and depression may also accompany vitamin D deficiency, negatively impacting multiple life areas.
Considerations
The chances of being vitamin D deficient vary widely person to person, according to Patient UK. For example, belonging to certain ethnic groups can impact the likelihood of vitamin D deficiency. Individuals who have Asian or African-American skin types tend to be more deficient in vitamin D. Women who are pregnant and breast-fed babies are also more likely to be vitamin D deficient than other groups of people. Lethargy in these populations should prompt a screening of vitamin D levels.
Misconceptions
Some people think that the only way to get vitamin D is through sun exposure, and they are reluctant to go outside for fear of UV damage. However, dietary choices and supplements are available to help those who do not want or are not able to go out in the sun to get the vitamin D they need, notes Patient UK.
Prevention/Solution
Preventing vitamin D deficiency and remedying it once it exists comes down to deliberate dietary and lifestyle choices. Increased sun exposure can reduce fatigue and boost vitamin D levels, as can changes in diet. According to The World's Healthiest Foods, some of the best food sources for boosting vitamin D levels include salmon, sardines, shrimp and cod, as well as milk and eggs. However, wild-caught salmon will have significantly more vitamin D per serving than farm-raised fish.
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