Some aches and pains are self-explanatory: a fall, a bump, unusual exertion. But others arrive for no apparent reason. Sharp pains in the knee upon waking, a feeling of heaviness in the legs that doesn’t respond to rest, a dull ache in the bones that comes and goes. Aches and pains that aren’t severe enough to warrant a doctor’s visit, but that don’t completely disappear either. And that, over time, become silent companions in daily life.
If this sounds familiar, perhaps your body is trying to tell you something: that it needs more sun. Or, more specifically, vitamin D.
The vitamin that is made from bare skin
Vitamin D is a rarity in the world of nutrition. We not only obtain it from food, but our bodies are also able to produce it when our skin is exposed to sunlight. It is, therefore, the quintessential sunshine vitamin. And its role in bone health is as fundamental as it is subtle: without enough vitamin D, calcium is not absorbed properly, bones become more fragile, and muscles can ache for no apparent reason.
With age, the body’s ability to synthesize vitamin D decreases. This is compounded by the fact that many people spend more time indoors, constantly use sunscreen, or live in places with low sunlight for extended periods. The result is a widespread deficiency that, according to the World Health Organization, affects millions of people worldwide, especially those over 50.
Diffuse bone pain, muscle weakness, and that feeling of tired legs for no reason can be, precisely, signs that the levels of this vitamin are not adequate.
Natural sources: the sun and the table
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