Symptom 2: Unexpected Muscle Weakness
Do you find it harder to get up from a low chair than it used to be? Do stairs feel more like a mountain than a simple climb? While some loss of muscle mass is normal with age, a noticeable and unexplained weakness, especially in your thighs and core, could be a sign of a Vitamin D deficiency.
This isn’t about not being able to lift heavy weights; it’s about a feeling of weakness in everyday movements. Your muscles may feel heavy, tired, or unresponsive. This happens because Vitamin D receptors are present in your muscle tissue, and the vitamin is essential for proper muscle contraction and strength.
For seniors, this symptom is particularly concerning because it directly impacts balance and mobility. Weak proximal muscles (the ones closer to the center of your body, like your hips and shoulders) are a major risk factor for falls. If you feel unsteady on your feet or notice your legs “giving way,” it’s a crucial signal from your body that something is amiss.
