I’m lucky enough to have had internet friends for over 20 years, friends who will give advice—whether solicited or not. Collectively, this group seemed appalled that at 48, and living in a cloudy Midwest state, I had never had a test for my vitamin D. I requested a test from my doctor and as it turns out, my levels were very low. The normal range is something closer to 21-30 somethings, and mine was 9.
I don’t think it’s much of a mystery why my levels were low, since low vitamin D can be associated with celiac, which I have.
I hadn’t felt sick. I didn’t come down with rickets, a childhood disease from a childhood lack of exposure to sunlight and D vitamins. But, some of the symptoms did resonate.
- Fatigue. Sure, yeah, I’m tired. But who isn’t?
- Bone pain. Well, yes, I do occasionally get some hip pain and wonder why, since I’m not a large-breed dog with hip dysplasia.
- Muscle weakness, muscle aches, or cramps. I don’t think so?
- Mood changes, like depression. I don’t think I’m depressed, but on the other hand, have you seen the world lately?
It’s a simple blood test to check vitamin D levels, and my doctor prescribed me a once-a-week pill for the next 12 weeks, at which point I’ll get my levels checked again. Of course, it also helps that the sun is out for a little bit longer these days.
I don’t know your situation, but I do know that more people have vitamin D deficiencies than realize it. Hopefully, this post will encourage some of you to have your levels checked.
