There is a major consequence that can happen if you are someone who hates to go out under the sun. Aside from getting a tan, sunshine can also provide our body with essential vitamin D. If you are always inside, you miss out on the sunshine vitamin essential for nutrition. Without the help of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus are less effective in helping our body (this affects the bones especially). So if we lack vitamin D, our bones will grow weak and brittle.

Some minor signs of vitamin D deficiency are aches and pains in the bones and general muscle weakness. These symptoms are subtle, but the dangerous thing about vitamin D deficiency is the fact that you won’t feel any major symptoms from it until it’s already too late.

Another problem with vitamin D deficiency is the fact that it does not need to have any symptoms in order to be dangerous. For example, lack of vitamin D in adults can increase heart disease, it can also increase impairment of cognitive abilities, and it can even cause the adult version of rickets called osteomalacia.

If you are feeling deep depression, if you are suffering from type 2 diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and multiple-sclerosis, be aware that these debilitating illnesses are linked to vitamin D deficiency. You will also suffer from calcium related complications like bone deformities, osteoporosis, and painful bone fractures.

So if ever you feel tingling, cramps, general weakness, and bone pain – consider this an early warning sign of vitamin D deficiency. That’s why before you feel any of the symptoms you should take steps to prevent vitamin D deficiency. Here are some preventative steps you can apply right now.

Eat food rich in vitamin D. Fortified milk and cereal are readily available in groceries, so it’s not so hard to start with them. Other food rich in vitamin D are liver, fish liver oil, and egg yolks. Of course, the easiest and cheapest way to get your fill of vitamin D is to expose yourself to sunlight. It is not advisable to soak under the sun for far too long, so make sure you wear sunscreen. If, however, you have a strong hatred for the outdoors, it is advised that you take vitamin D supplements.

In the event that you feel two or more of the symptoms above, I suggest that you consult your doctor right away. Your doctor will know the exact dosage to give you without fear of vitamin D overdose.