Many Women Have One of These Nutrient Deficiencies

8. Vitamin D

“Sunshine” vitamin D works with calcium to support bones and muscles as well as the nervous and immune systems. A 2021 review suggests that this nutrient may help prevent breast cancer in young women. Older adults and people with dark skin have a lower ability to convert sunlight to vitamin D. Obesity, chronic kidney or liver disease, and some medicines also increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Low vitamin D levels can cause a loss of bone density, which may lead to osteoporosis and fractures. Deficiency may also cause muscle weakness and weakness or pain in the bones. Researchers are exploring connections to hypertension, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and cancer, as well.