Home remedies for vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D helps the body handle calcium and supports bones and muscles. Low levels may be associated with fatigue, generalised weakness, joint or bone discomfort, low mood and frequent infections, although these symptoms have many other possible causes. A blood test and your medical history help confirm deficiency and identify why it may be present. Limited sunlight exposure, some health conditions and medicines can affect levels.

Spend sensible time outdoors while protecting your skin from burning, considering the season, skin type and local sunlight. Include foods that provide vitamin D, such as oily fish, egg yolk and fortified products when available. Food and sunlight may not correct an established deficiency, so take a supplement only at the dose recommended by a clinician or pharmacist. Do not combine several vitamin products without checking their ingredients, because excessive supplementation can cause harm. Weight, absorption problems and other conditions may change the treatment plan.

Arrange a review if you have ongoing fatigue, weakness, bone or joint pain, repeated infections, low mood, or risk factors for deficiency. Seek prompt care after a minor injury if you develop severe bone pain or cannot use a limb, as a stress fracture needs assessment. Ask for advice before supplements if you have kidney disease, high calcium, sarcoidosis, are pregnant, or take medicines that affect calcium or vitamin D.

Ask whether testing is appropriate, what may have caused low levels, which dose and duration are suitable, and when your response should be checked.