TL;DR
Get beauty and skincare favorites delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
A Glamour UK report lists frequent illness, fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness and low mood as possible signs associated with vitamin D deficiency. These symptoms have other possible causes, and only appropriate medical assessment can establish whether someone is deficient.
A Glamour UK report published in 2026 has identified frequent illness, fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness and low mood as possible signs associated with vitamin D deficiency. The symptoms are not proof of low vitamin D on their own, and the report says research into some links, particularly mood, remains incomplete.
The report cites the latest UK government diet and nutrition survey as finding that nearly one in five adults aged 19 to 64 had a vitamin D deficiency, rising to nearly one in three during winter. The source material does not give the survey’s exact publication date, deficiency threshold or methods, so those figures should be read within the survey’s stated population and season rather than as a diagnosis for any individual.
The five signs presented are frequent illness, fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness and depression or low mood. Nutritionists and clinicians quoted by Glamour say low vitamin D could contribute to some of these experiences. The report also cites research associating deficiency with fatigue and muscle problems, and studies examining mood. Association does not establish that vitamin D deficiency caused a symptom.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that the body can produce after skin is exposed to UVB sunlight. The report says it helps regulate calcium and phosphate, nutrients needed for healthy bones, teeth and muscles. It also notes dietary sources such as fatty fish, eggs and fortified milk, and discusses supplements. The article’s experts advise seeking adequate intake, but symptoms alone cannot show whether a person needs a supplement or how much.
Symptoms Need Medical Context
The list matters because vitamin D deficiency may have consequences for bone and muscle health, while the survey figures suggest it is not rare among working-age adults in the UK. A person experiencing persistent or concerning symptoms may benefit from discussing them with a healthcare professional rather than assuming vitamin D is the cause.
Each sign is also non-specific. Fatigue, low mood, repeated infections and aches can arise for many reasons, and the report does not present them as a reliable screening checklist. Treating the list as a diagnosis could delay attention to another cause; taking supplements without guidance can also be inappropriate for some people. Medical advice can help determine whether testing or a change in intake is warranted.
Vitamin D supplements for deficiency
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Why UK Levels Vary by Season
In the report, nutritionists identify limited sunlight and an unbalanced diet as possible contributors to deficiency. In the UK, sunlight is weaker during autumn and winter, reducing the opportunity for the skin to make vitamin D. Time spent indoors and limited intake of foods containing the vitamin may also affect a person’s levels.
The report says UK experts recommend attention to vitamin D intake, especially when sunlight is limited, and names people with darker skin and those who have moved from sunnier regions among groups that may face greater risk. It also says pregnant people should pay attention to intake. These comments are attributed to experts interviewed by Glamour; readers should follow current NHS or clinician guidance for individual advice rather than treating the article as a personal prescription.
“It’s often called the ‘sunshine vitamin’ because our bodies produce it in response to sunlight.”
— Jessica Sepel, nutritionist, as quoted by Glamour UK
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Symptoms Do Not Confirm Deficiency
The report does not establish that any of the five symptoms reliably identifies vitamin D deficiency. It cites studies finding associations, but such findings do not show that low vitamin D caused fatigue, depression, infections or muscle weakness. It also says further research is needed on the relationship between vitamin D and mental health.
The survey figures are reported without the underlying survey details in the supplied material, including its exact fieldwork period, diagnostic threshold and breakdown by demographic group. It is also unclear from the report what testing, if any, a reader should receive based on symptoms alone. Those decisions depend on individual health and current clinical guidance.
High vitamin D fish oil supplements
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Seek Advice Before Supplementing
Anyone concerned about persistent symptoms or possible deficiency can speak with a GP or another qualified healthcare professional. They can consider symptoms, risk factors and whether a blood test or other assessment is appropriate. Readers should check current UK public health guidance for recommendations on vitamin D intake, which may vary by age, health status and season.
The Glamour report recommends considering dietary sources and supplements alongside sunlight, but it does not provide a personalised treatment plan. Avoid treating its symptom list or sun-exposure estimate as a substitute for medical advice, and consult a professional before starting supplements if pregnant, managing a health condition or taking medication.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Key Questions
What are the five possible signs listed in the report?
The report lists frequent illness, fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness and low mood or depression. These signs can have causes other than vitamin D deficiency.
Can these symptoms confirm a vitamin D deficiency?
No. The report describes possible associations, not a diagnostic checklist. A healthcare professional can advise whether assessment or testing is suitable.
Why might vitamin D levels be lower in winter in the UK?
The report says weaker winter sunlight limits the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D. Lower intake from foods may also contribute for some people.
Should I start taking a vitamin D supplement?
The article discusses supplements but does not set a personal dose. Check current NHS guidance or ask a healthcare professional, especially if pregnant, taking medication or managing a health condition.
Source: rss
Halloween Picks
halloween
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
