A vitamin D deficiency can mess with your body and mood. It’s needed to help keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. But what’s the warning sign you need to up your dosage?

Health retailer Holland & Barrett identifies signs of a vitamin D deficiency.

An early sign of a vitamin D deficiency, according to the health store, is a sweaty scalp.

Excessive sweating is known as hyperhidrosis.

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Of course, sweating is a normal bodily response following a workout or from feeling too hot.

But excessive sweating can appear for no obvious reason – with low vitamin D levels as the underlying health condition.

Another symptom of a vitamin D deficiency includes a low and/or irritable mood.

Medically referred to as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), it’s described by the NHS as a type of depression that raises its ugly head in the winter months.

The theory behind SAD is linked towards reduced exposure to sunlight during the winter days.

Continuing this notion, the NHS add that “a lack of sunlight might stop a part of the brain called the hypothalamus working properly”.

This is believed to effect the production of melatonin, serotonin and the circadian rhythm.

Ninety percent of the vitamin D our bodies need comes from getting out and about in the sunshine.

As people age, Holland & Barrett states: “You lose some of your natural ability to produce Vitamin D from sun exposure.”

This is because the kidneys become less efficient at coverting vitamin D when people are over the age of 50.

This is why the organisation recommends older people to spend plenty of time outside.

Another symptom of a vitamin D deficiency can be observed in someone’s body weight.

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• Vitamin D deficiency: The sign in your weight

According to the health store, people considered overweight (or obese) need higher levels of vitamin D than a person with a healthy weight.

Additionally, those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, celiac or gluten sensitivity may find it harder to benefit from vitamin D.

This is because vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, and these health conditions hinder the guts ability to absorb fat.

Those who don’t have enough vitamin D can develop rickets, osteoporosis, bone pain, and an increased risk of fractures.

Those deficient in vitamin D may experience throbbing or an achey feeling in their bones.

Ten percent of vitamin D can be sourced from your diet – and this includes vitamin D supplements.

Aside from supplements, some foods are fortified with vitamin D.

Natural food sources of this vitamin include fatty fish (tuna, mackerel and salmon), cheese and egg yolks.

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