After 50, this overlooked vitamin deficiency causes more fatigue than iron or B12 - Silicon Canals

"If you're over 50, you've probably had your iron and B12 levels checked more times than you can count. But here's what might surprise you: up to 75% of older adults are deficient in a completely different vitamin that's wreaking havoc on their energy levels. I'm talking about vitamin D, and the connection between this deficiency and fatigue is something most of us never even consider."

"Here's something that blew my mind when I started researching this: vitamin D deficiency becomes almost epidemic once we hit our fifties. According to research published in PubMed, "Vitamin D deficiency is extremely prevalent in the elderly. Most often the first symptoms are caused by myopathy with muscle pain, fatigue, muscular weakness and gait disturbances." Think about that for a second. We're not just talking about feeling a little tired. We're talking about muscle pain, weakness, and difficulty walking properly."

Vitamin D deficiency becomes common after fifty due to reduced skin synthesis, less sun exposure, and decreased renal activation. Up to 75% of older adults may be deficient. Deficiency produces myopathy with muscle pain, fatigue, weakness, and gait disturbances. Many people and clinicians mistake these symptoms for normal aging. The deficiency often causes significant energy loss and functional impairment. Screening and treatment can reveal treatable causes of fatigue. Awareness of vitamin D's role in energy and muscle function can improve diagnosis and quality of life for older adults.

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