It’s only been in recent years that doctors have discovered that their patients can be deficient in Vitamin D. Before 2000, many doctors believed it wasn’t possible to be deficient in the vitamin produced by the sunshine. As studies were conducted, the evidence proved that more people may be lacking in Vitamin D than doctors ever dreamed possible.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  reports that over 30 percent of children and adults in the United States are deficient in the vitamin, but researchers believe that number may actually be as high as 50 percent.

While the only way to know for sure if you are deficient in Vitamin D is through a blood test ordered by your doctor, there are a few symptoms to watch for that may help you determine if you need to supplement your diet with Vitamin D.

People with darker skin complexions and elderly people are much more likely to suffer from Vitamin D deficiency. Because darker skin acts as sort of a sunscreen, so you’ll need to spend extra time in the sun to get the Vitamin D that you need. Elderly people are more likely to spend their time indoors, but they also produce less Vitamin D when they do get in the sun. At least 95 percent of the elderly population is deficient in Vitamin D.

Overweight people or those with a high muscle mass are more prone to being deficient in the sunshine vitamin as well. Vitamin D is fat-soluble which means that it is stored in fatty tissue. If a person is overweight, they need more Vitamin D because their body will store the vitamin instead of use it. People with gut issues may have a hard time absorbing the vitamin too.

There are several symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency as well, but one of the first symptoms to appear is a sweaty head. Achy bones and muscles can also be an indication of Vitamin D deficiency. People who report this problem to their doctors are often misdiagnosed with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, but they should be tested to see if they are deficient in Vitamin D to rule out that possibility too.

Lack of the sunshine vitamin can also cause people to have a low mood and struggle with depression. Research has shown that people with the lowest Vitamin D levels were 11 times more likely to be depressed than those who had normal, healthy levels of the vitamin.

If you feel like you may be deficient in Vitamin D, you can always supplement with a vitamin pill, but there are good food sources you can add to your diet as well. Grain products, oranges, yogurt, pork and salmon, eggs, fruits, and vegetables are all excellent sources of Vitamin D. It might also be a good idea to take a trip to see your doctor and discuss your symptoms.