Vitamin D aids in absorbing calcium, and plays an important role in the health and growth of your bones. This nutrient also helps reduce inflammation and promote a healthy immune system. If you have a deficiency, you may experience subtle symptoms that you may not connect to vitamin D, explains the Office of Dietary Supplements. Dark circles under your eyes do not indicate a deficiency, but knowing deficiency symptoms may help you detect early signs.
Symptoms
A deficiency in vitamin D will often weaken your bones. In growing children, a vitamin D deficiency could lead to rickets, a condition that causes bone deformities. Adults with a deficiency may also have a greater risk for osteoporosis, a condition that results in bone weakness. Other symptoms include fatigue, chronic pain and depression. Conditions that may have a connection to low vitamin D intake include high blood pressure, heart disease and autoimmune conditions. Symptoms will vary for each individual, so if you have any unusual changes in your general health or suspect a deficiency, contact your health care provider.
Recommended Dietary Allowance
To ensure that you do not have a deficiency in vitamin D, the average adult requires between 600 and 800 international units of vitamin D each day. The average child will need between 400 IU and 600 IU. Your doctor will evaluate your health and medications to help you determine the amount of vitamin D that is appropriate for you each day. One way to have your necessary intake is through sun exposure, but this could increase your risk for skin cancer. Some foods contain vitamin D, and these include mackerel, which provides 388 IU, and eggs, which offer 41 IU apiece. Other foods include fortified milk and juice, as well as salmon, cod liver oil and beef liver.
Cause
Dark circles do not result from a vitamin D deficiency, but they may appear for other reasons. Fatigue, smoking and stress may play a part in the appearance of dark circles. You may notice that other people in your family have dark circles, and this may indicate that these dark areas simply run in your family. Conditions such as allergies may also cause dark circles. You may also have them if you have thin skin or irregularities in skin pigment.
Considerations
If you suspect a vitamin D deficiency, talk with your doctor. She will perform tests to detect your levels and recommend any necessary treatment. Dark circles do not need medical treatment unless you notice worsening in the discoloration or have other symptoms, such as swelling. To help with minor under-eye circles without any additional symptoms, you may try using cold compresses, getting more sleep or wearing dark glasses outdoors to protect your skin.
Member Comments