Vitamin D deficiency: symptoms, causes and treatment
Vitamin D deficiency is very common in Jordan and the region, despite the sunshine. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and supports healthy bones, muscles and immunity.
Common symptoms
- Persistent fatigue and low energy
- Bone and lower back pain
- Muscle weakness or cramps
- Frequent infections
- Low mood
Many people have no symptoms at all, so a simple blood test (25-hydroxy vitamin D) is the only reliable way to know your level.
Why it happens
- Little direct sun exposure, covering clothing or spending most of the day indoors
- Darker skin, which produces less vitamin D from sunlight
- Few dietary sources of vitamin D
- Overweight, pregnancy and breastfeeding, older age, and some digestive or kidney conditions
Treatment and prevention
Treatment depends on your blood level and is set by your doctor. Mild deficiency is usually corrected with a daily dose, while more severe deficiency may need a higher weekly dose for a limited period, followed by a maintenance dose.
The Motakadema D True range covers each of these needs: D True 10 (10,000 IU), D True 25 (25,000 IU) and D True 50 (50,000 IU) soft gelatin capsules, and D True Drops with 400 IU in a single drop for babies.
Take vitamin D with a meal that contains some fat to improve absorption, and recheck your level after treatment as your doctor advises. Do not take high doses without medical supervision.