Many people believe that prolonged fatigue is only a consequence of stressful work, age or busy lifestyle. However, medical experts warn that when exhaustion lasts even after getting enough sleep and exercising properly, the cause may stem from vitamin D deficiency.
According to the article by Teresa Maalouf, Master of Public Health in the US, many cases of vitamin D deficiency are only detected after lifestyle improvement measures are no longer effective. Exchanging with doctors has helped clarify that prolonged fatigue is one of the typical but often overlooked symptoms of this micronutrient deficiency.
Vitamin D deficiency and easily confusing manifestations
Dr. Jonathan Purtell, a clinical nutritionist working in New York (USA), said that vitamin D deficiency usually does not cause severe symptoms. “Patients may only feel prolonged fatigue, reduced concentration, declining mood, easily confused with stress or lack of sleep,” he said.
Blood tests are the standard for diagnosis. In medicine, normal vitamin D levels range from 30 to 100 nanograms/ml of blood. Levels from 12 to 19 nanograms/ml are considered insufficient, and below 12 nanograms/ml is a clear shortage. Many patients only detect this condition when proactively examining for unexplained fatigue.
Vitamin D plays an essential role in bone health, muscle activity, nerve transmission, and immune function. Recent studies have also shown that vitamin D deficiency is associated with chronic fatigue and reduced quality of life.
The main source of vitamin D comes from sunlight through the synthesis process in the skin. However, according to Suzanne Fisher, a clinical nutritionist in Florida (USA), people living in cold climates, high latitudes, less exposed to sunlight or working indoors most of the time are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency. Foods such as salmon, tuna, milk and yogurt only provide limited amounts, making it difficult to meet daily needs without sunlight.
Vitamin D supplementation: needs the right dose and is prescribed
When vitamin D deficiency is diagnosed, doctors often recommend supplementation with appropriate doses and periodic monitoring by blood tests. In many cases, a dose of about 2,000 international units per day is used, but the specific dose depends on the deficiency level, age and health status of each person.
After a period of supplementation as indicated, many patients recorded clear improvements in energy levels, concentration and mood. Experts emphasize that this effect does not come from "drinking as much as possible", but from supplementing the true needs of the body.
Dr. Michael Holick, professor of medicine at Boston College of Medicine (USA), noted that vitamin D acts as a precursor hormone. “Using it arbitrarily at high doses for a long time can cause increased blood calcium and affect the kidneys,” he warned. Therefore, tests before and during supplementation are mandatory.
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