Low Vitamin D? Here Are 10 Signs Your Body May Be Telling You

By Laura Michelle Powers: Celebrity Psychic, Author, and host of Healing Powers Podcast

Vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin,” but its role in the body goes far beyond bone health. It supports immune function, mood regulation, muscle strength, hormone balance, and even brain health.

Despite its importance, vitamin D deficiency is surprisingly common — especially for people who spend a lot of time indoors, live in cooler climates, use sunscreen consistently, or have digestive or hormonal imbalances.

Here are 10 common signs and symptoms that may indicate low vitamin D levels.

1. Frequent Illness or Getting Sick Often

If you feel like you’re constantly catching colds or taking longer to recover, vitamin D may be part of the picture. Vitamin D helps regulate immune responses and supports your body’s ability to fight infections. Low levels have been linked to increased susceptibility to colds, flu, and other illnesses.

2. Ongoing Fatigue or Low Energy

Feeling exhausted even after getting enough sleep? Vitamin D plays a role in cellular energy production. Deficiency is often associated with persistent fatigue, low motivation, and sluggishness, even when other labs appear normal.

3. Bone Pain or Aching Joints

Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone strength. Low levels can lead to bone tenderness, joint discomfort, or stiffness, sometimes mistaken for aging or general wear and tear.

4. Muscle Weakness, Aches, or Cramping

Unexplained muscle pain or weakness may be linked to low vitamin D. Vitamin D helps muscles function properly. Without enough, muscles may feel sore, weak, or prone to cramping — even without intense exercise.

5. Low Mood, Depression, or Irritability

Vitamin D receptors are found in areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Deficiency has been associated with depression, mood swings, irritability, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Many people notice emotional improvements once vitamin D levels are restored.

6. Hair Thinning or Increased Shedding

Vitamin D plays a role in supporting healthy hair follicles. Low levels may contribute to hair thinning or excessive shedding, especially during times of stress or hormonal change.

7. Slow Healing From Cuts or Injuries

If wounds or bruises seem to take longer than usual to heal, vitamin D may be involved. Vitamin D helps regulate inflammation and supports tissue repair, both essential for healthy healing.

8. Brain Fog or Trouble Concentrating

Low vitamin D has been linked to difficulty focusing, memory issues, and mental fatigue. Many people describe this as brain fog — feeling mentally cloudy or not as sharp as usual.

9. Hormonal Imbalances or PMS Symptoms

Vitamin D acts more like a hormone than a vitamin and influences estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and insulin balance. Low levels may contribute to PMS symptoms, irregular cycles, fertility challenges, and metabolic concerns.

10. Bone Loss or Increased Fracture Risk

Over time, chronic vitamin D deficiency can contribute to bone density loss, increasing the risk of fractures — especially as we age. This is one of the most well-researched long-term effects of low vitamin D.

Why Vitamin D Deficiency Is So Common

Even people who eat well and live healthy lifestyles can be deficient. Common reasons include limited sun exposure, living in northern climates, darker skin tones (which require more sun to produce vitamin D), digestive or absorption issues, autoimmune or hormonal conditions, and aging.

What You Can Do

Ask your healthcare provider for a simple vitamin D blood test. Spend time outdoors when possible. Eat vitamin D–rich foods like fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods. Consider supplementation if recommended by a qualified professional.

Final Thoughts

Vitamin D deficiency doesn’t always announce itself loudly. More often, it shows up as subtle shifts in energy, mood, immunity, or resilience. Supporting healthy vitamin D levels can make a meaningful difference in how you feel, function, and move through your day. If something feels “off” and you can’t quite explain why, this is one gentle place to begin 🌿