Surprising side effects of not taking vitamin D supplements, says dietitian

Over the past year, vitamin D has become a hot topic, with several studies suggesting a link between low levels of vitamin D and an increased risk of catching COVID or developing more severe symptoms from the virus. Unfortunately, insufficient levels of vitamin D affect more people than you might think – a 2011 study published in the journal Nutrition research found that of the 4,495 American adults studied, about 42% were deficient in vitamin D.

Failure to raise your vitamin D levels to the height can do more than weaken your immune response. Read on to discover the potential side effects of not taking vitamin D supplements, according to a dietitian. And if you’re adding supplements to your routine, start with the best supplements to buy at Costco, according to experts.

If you don’t take vitamin D supplements, you may find that your immune system isn’t working as well as you might hope.

“Vitamin D deficiency is associated with poor immune function,” says Heidi Moretti, Dt.t., Resident Nutrition Advisor at Sovereign Laboratories. “This happens because vitamin D is essential for building a balance of T cells by increasing regulatory T cells, which keep the immune system healthy. It also increases a protein that helps fight infections called cathelicidin. . ” For simple ways to boost your immune health, check out the 30 Best Immune Boosting Foods.

Whether you have a family history of cancer or have risk factors for certain types of cancer, not taking vitamin D supplements can put you at greater risk for various types of disease.

“Almost all types of cancer risk are increased compared to a low vitamin D content. This is thought to be due to the altered immune response that occurs in a deficiency,” says Moretti. In fact, the 2019 research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that higher levels of vitamin D were linked to a significantly lower risk of colorectal cancer, while a 2016 study published in the journal Endocrinology have found a link between low levels of vitamin D and the growth and metastasis of breast cancer.

If you’re struggling to find the energy to complete everyday tasks that came easily to you, your vitamin D status may be to blame.

“This is because vitamin D is involved in bone health and muscle strength. Having enough vitamin D can also reduce inflammation in these tissues, which can calm pain, while sometimes simultaneously reducing fatigue. Vitamin D is the central regulator of many hormones, so it’s no wonder that deficient people end up feeling tired and stiff, ”says Moretti.

Heart disease is the number one killer worldwide, and your vitamin D status can play a big role in your risk of developing cardiovascular problems.

“Heart muscle needs vitamin D to help improve the absorption of electrolytes in the heart muscle,” explains Moretti. In fact, according to a 2018 review of research published in the journal Clinical hypertension, low levels of vitamin D are associated with higher rates of hypertension, death from cardiovascular disease and death from all causes. If you want to improve your heart health, check out The Best Foods That Can Help Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease, and for more healthy living information delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter!

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