How Do I Know If My Vitamin D Is Low?

Vitamin D is a vitamin within the body that helps utilize calcium and phosphorous. It is found in many foods and your skin produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Without enough vitamin D, your bones would be unable to absorb calcium. This can cause weak bones and serious conditions, such as rickets and osteomalacia. It's thus important that your body gets enough vitamin D, whether through food, sun exposure, or supplements. It is also important to know your vitamin D levels. By being aware of your health, you can tell if your vitamin D levels are low.

Step 1

Get tested by your doctor. This is the only sure way to know if you have a vitamin D deficiency. Your doctor can tell you your exact levels and what your ideal vitamin D level should be. Your doctor can also tell you how much vitamin D to take and recommend a supplement if needed.

Step 2

Get an at-home vitamin D deficiency test if you prefer. Perform the test at home and send in a couple of drops of blood to a lab; it will typically send you the results in the mail or over the phone.

Step 3

Check how much vitamin D is in the food you eat. If you find that your diet does not meet the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D, it is possible for you to be deficient. The National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements outlines on its website how much vitamin D you should have in a day based on your age and sex.

Step 4

Examine how much time you spend in the sun. If you don't spend much time in the sun, you could possibly be vitamin D-deficient. The Office of Dietary Supplements notes that, though research has not, as of 2011, provided a definitive answer for how much time you should spend in the sun to get adequate vitamin D, 5 to 30 minutes between 10 am and 3 pm at least twice a week may be enough.

Step 5

Watch for symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, such as muscle cramps, muscle weakness and weak bones. If you notice any of these symptoms, inform your doctor.