Could low levels of vitamin D be causing your aches and pains?
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– Searches for ‘sore muscles’ are up 24% in the past month
– Experts share how a lack of vitamin D might be causing achy muscles
Soreness is a problem for the nation, with searches for ‘sore muscles’ up by 24% in the last month alone.
And while many may be quick to blame the cold weather that’s been sweeping the country or the new exercise routines that they have taken up as part of their resolutions, experts are advising that the problem could be linked to something else.
Vitamin D is the main vitamin for maintaining the health of your muscles and bones – and yet so many of us may be getting the right amount of vitamin D. In fact, the British Nutrition Foundation found that 1 in 6 adults are thought to have low vitamin D levels.
Dr Dave Reilly, Head Scientist at Absolute Collagen explains why vitamin D is so important and how you can help increase your levels to prevent aches and pains:
“The main functions of vitamin D are in your bones and muscles, as it helps to regulate the amount of phosphate and calcium in the body. In turn, this keeps your bones strong and helps with muscle contractions when you’re exercising.”
“Those who aren’t getting enough vitamin D might not experience many symptoms if any at all, but some of the key ones include muscle soreness, cramping, bone pain and fatigue.”
“There are a few reasons why you might be lacking in vitamin D, with low sun exposure being just one. The lower levels of vitamin D may also be a result of your age, with older people or people with darker skin tones finding it harder to produce the vitamin in the skin. It can also be down to your diet, with a lack of natural vitamin D products like fatty fish, egg yolks, or fortified products like milk and cereal.
“It’s much easier in the summer to make sure you’re getting enough vitamin D naturally, as all it requires is 10-30 minutes of sun exposure on your skin, a couple of times a week.
“Outside of summer, you need to make sure you incorporate vitamin D-rich foods in your diet, with egg yolks, mushrooms, salmon, and mackerel being some good examples. These will help to make up for how the grim weather can affect your body.
“You can also take supplements to boost your vitamin D levels if you’re struggling to include vitamin D-rich foods in your diet. These vitamins can also be taken alongside any other supplements, such as collagen.
“In fact, taking vitamin D and collagen together can have a positive impact on your body. The vitamin D can address any muscle soreness or bone pain, while the vitamin C in Absolute Collagen supplements can give you more energy to fight off the fatigue.”
To shop liquid collagen supplements or for more information on the health benefits of collagen, visit the Absolute Collagen website.
