The vitamin deficiency has been associated with health disorders; however, the feeling of dizziness remains unnoticed in medical literature.
The problem can be caused by endless different things, but new data provides a basis to think about a significant role of not being in a sufficiently positive state of vitamin D for both one’s balance and well-being.
This article tries to research the connection between vitamin D Deficiency and Dizziness but also give a detail answer about Can vitamin D Deficiency Cause Dizziness?
What is vitamin D, and why is it so important?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a hormone-like role in the body. It modulates calcium absorption, maintains bone health, and enhances immune function. Among others, less well-known functions of vitamin D include:
- Neuromuscular health: Maintains normal muscle and nerve function.
- Vestibular system: Maintains balance and prevents inner ear disorders.
- Circulatory health: Affects blood flow, which may be a contributing factor to dizziness if compromised.
Can vitamin D Deficiency Really Cause Dizziness?
Although dizziness itself is not a symptom related to vitamin D deficiency, it may be the after-effect of a number of associated problems. Here’s how:
Effects on Balance and Muscle Strength: Vitamin D deficiency weakens the muscles, including the ones responsible for maintaining balance in the body.
Lack of strength can make a person feel unsteady or dizzy, especially if someone is older or in poor health.
More common after the age of 65 years
When the crystals in the inner ear are dislodged from their place, there is a sensation of spinning less than a minute and induced by turning to the right or left in bed.
Specialists explain, “This is sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting. This condition is more common after the age of 65 because the calcium carbonate crystals in the inner ear, commonly referred to as crystals, degenerate with age.”
Connection to Vestibular Disorders
The inner ear is an important part of balance. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, a condition that entails short spells of spinning or dizziness.
Circulatory and Neurological Effects vitamin D helps in modulating blood vessel function and circulation. Poor levels might lead to less blood flow to the brain, causing dizziness or lightheadedness.
Vitamin D also plays a role in the maintenance of nerves, and deficiency may lead to impaired signaling, adding to the problems with balance.
Vitamin Deficiencies, Beware
Stating that vertigo is three times more common in menopausal women compared to men, Ear, Nose, and Throat specialists at Yeditepe University Hospitals said, “The reason for this is the decrease in estrogen levels and bone density during this period.
Declines in vitamin D levels also contribute. Vitamin D plays a very important role in calcium and bone metabolism and is crucial for the formation of the structures referred to as crystals.
Lower levels make it easier for these crystals to dislodge into the semicircular canals. Besides, some internal conditions may cause vertigo as well. These include high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, iron deficiency anemia, and vitamin B12 deficiency.“
How vitamin D Helps
The major function of vitamin D in the body is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D is responsible for calcium absorption, which plays numerous roles in the body that keep it healthy, including making bones strong and decreasing the risk of fractures. Vitamin D also aids in protection against osteoporosis, high blood pressure, cancer, and other diseases.
Who Is at Risk of vitamin D Deficiency?
Certain populations carry higher risk for vitamin D deficiency due to their disposition towards these symptoms, including
Dizziness: Elderly subjects have lower skin synthesis and lower dietary intakes. People with darker skins, due to higher melanin levels in the skin, thereby reducing skin synthesis of vitamin D.
People who avoid sun: Sedentary lifestyles, institutionalized people, and people who are afraid to go out into the sun. Obese subjects because of increased storage in body fat, reducing bioavailability of the vitamin.
Chronic conditions: Diseases like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease impede nutrient absorption.
How to recognize vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, aside from dizziness, include:
- Bone pain or fractures.
- Muscle weakness or muscle cramps.
- Fatigue and mood changes, including depression.
- Recurring infections linked to compromised immunity.
- Diagnosed through a blood test measuring 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels.
- Normal levels range from 30 to 50 ng/mL, while levels below 20 ng/mL indicate deficiency.
Remedial Actions for vitamin D Inadequacy Improve and Optimize Sunlight
It is recommended to stay out in the sun, with direct exposure for 15–30 minutes a number of times in a week. You increase the amount of greater transmission when larger areas of the skin are covered, for example arms, legs, etc. Increased Intake of Vitamin-D Food Sources Add a diet that sources it, such as:
- Consumption of oily fish is advised: these include salmon, mackerel, and tuna.
- Egg yolks and fortified foods: These include milk, orange juice, and cereals.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms, especially those exposed to UV light.
- Supplements If the natural sources are not enough, then one may use vitamin D supplements.
- Vitamin D3 is often recommended because it gets absorbed better.
One should consult a doctor for the dosages, especially when being treated for deficiency. Other Lifestyle Changes to Avoid Dizziness Even when the levels of vitamin D are at an optimum, dizziness can be caused by something else.
Here are some tips for better balance and well-being:
- Stay hydrated: dehydration can make lightheadedness worse.
- Monitor your blood pressure: a sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand up can make you feel dizzy.
- Exercise regularly: muscle strengthening and balance improvement can help decrease symptoms.
- Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol: both may interfere with vestibular function.
Chiropractic and Physical Therapy for Dizziness
Chiropractors and physical therapists treat a lot of patients with dizziness and vertigo, including BPPV. We offer chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, nutrition support, and more to help decrease symptoms and get our patients feeling better faster.
Each of the doctors and physical therapists in our clinic are trained in repositioning the crystals in the inner ear to provide relief from the vertigo that patients experience. The name of this procedure is called an Epley Maneuver. This extremely effective, safe, quick maneuver can be done in just a minute or two. Patients often feel immediate relief.