Vitamin D deficiency is the highest vitamin deficiency in the country, as an estimated 42% of all Americans aren’t getting enough vitamin D. This number is higher among certain age and socioeconomic groups like people over the age of 65, people with poor nutrition habits, and those on long-term prescription medications.

There are several reasons for this, including difficulty getting the amount needed through food, and people spending less time outdoors on average, as the sun is a good natural way to intake vitamin D.

Supplements have become popular, and there are some added benefits to them besides bringing your vitamin D levels to where they should be. Troy Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at four of these surprising side effects.

  1. May Help Combat Depression

A recent study found a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and increased cases of depression. Researchers say that more time and additional studies are needed to explore the connection.

  1. Boosts Your Immune System

Now is a great time to do whatever you can to keep your immune system working strong, and there’s research that shows vitamin D may play a factor in giving it a boost similar to how vitamin C and antioxidants do. On the opposite end of the spectrum, there’s research that shows a vitamin D deficiency can leave you more susceptible to an infection.

  1. Can Help Lower Blood Pressure

A study released in 2019 found that there was an increased risk in hypertension (high blood pressure) in people who were deficient of vitamin D. Exercising and eating healthy are the best ways to lower blood pressure, but having your vitamin D could help as well.

  1. Be Careful Not to Take Too Much

Going overboard on vitamin D supplements can give you some negative side effects. One of those is elevated blood calcium levels, which can cause nausea, vomiting, weakness, and confusion. And it can take months for this condition to resolve.

Another potential adverse reaction is a loss of bone. This can occur because when the body has too much vitamin D, it can lead to low levels of vitamin K, which plays a role in the bone calcification process.

 

To learn more about Troy Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://troy-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org/.