A vitamin D shortage in men often shows up as vague complaints: fatigue, a flat mood, muscle aches and sometimes weaker-feeling legs. In the Dutch winter a low value is common, because your skin makes little vitamin D then. A blood test shows where you stand.
Honestly, a lot of men underrate this. You don't notice a shortage overnight, it creeps in.
Which symptoms fit a vitamin D shortage?
A shortage can go with tiredness, low mood, muscle and bone aches, and in older people a higher risk of falls. The symptoms aren't specific, so they're easily blamed on something else. A low vitamin D can only be confirmed through blood.
Research showed that correcting a low vitamin D improved fatigue in some people (Roy, 2014). That's no guarantee, but it makes measuring worthwhile if you have symptoms.
Why are men in the Netherlands often low?
You mainly make vitamin D from sunlight on your skin. Between roughly October and April the sun sits too low in the Netherlands for enough production. If you work indoors a lot or have darker skin, the risk of a shortage is higher.
Food supplies only a small part. Oily fish and eggs contain some vitamin D, but rarely enough to top up a shortage.
What do you do with a low result?
Discuss a low value with your GP, who can help decide whether topping up makes sense. The Dutch Health Council advises some groups to take extra vitamin D, regardless of symptoms. See your result as a starting point for that conversation, not a diagnosis.
Want the bigger picture? Read our pillar always tired as a man, or see vitamin B12 deficiency, which often looks like fatigue.
Getting started
The Complete Men's Health Panel maps your vitamin D among other markers linked to energy.
References
- Roy S, Sherman A, Monari-Sparks MJ, et al. Correction of low vitamin D improves fatigue (EViDiF study). North Am J Med Sci. 2014;6(8):396-402. PMID: 25210673.
- Health Council of the Netherlands (Gezondheidsraad). Evaluation of dietary reference values for vitamin D. The Hague.
- NHG-Standaard Fracture prevention (vitamin D, biology). Dutch College of General Practitioners.
Disclaimer
Caliberhealth works with BIG-registered doctors who assess your blood results. This article gives general information and is not a substitute for medical advice from a GP or specialist. A blood test is a tool, not a diagnosis in itself. For serious symptoms, contact your GP, or in an emergency call 112.
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