A dull ache in the muscles. A slight stiffness in the lower back. A sense that strength has reduced without a clear cause.
These are often brushed aside as posture issues or age-related discomfort. But they can be early clues.
“Physically, people may experience unexplained muscle aches, lower back pain, or reduced strength,” Pradhan notes. “Over time, bone discomfort or increased risk of fractures can develop, since Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone integrity.”
When the body cannot absorb calcium properly, bones and muscles both begin to feel the impact. The change is gradual, which makes it easy to ignore.