WHY DO I KEEP FALLING SICK… AND FEELING LOW? The “silent” Vitamin D deficiency many working women overlook



More than 60% of Malaysian adults have low Vitamin D levels.

That’s nearly 3 out of 5 women.

“I thought I was just stressed.”

Many working women today are constantly pushing through life.

Wake up early.Rush to work.Eat irregularly.Sleep late.Reply messages at night.Wake up tired again tomorrow.

So when symptoms start appearing, most women relate to stress, workload, aging or burnout.

But what if the body is actually missing something important?

For many women, the issue may be low Vitamin D.

And because the symptoms are subtle, it is often overlooked for years.

Vitamin D is not only for bones. 

Many people still think Vitamin D is only important for bones.

Actually, Vitamin D works more like a hormone regulator inside the body.

It supports:

  • immune system function
  • muscle strength
  • emotional well-being
  • mood regulation
  • mental clarity
  • overall body recovery

This is why low Vitamin D may affect women in ways that don’t immediately look like a “vitamin problem.”

WHY WORKING WOMEN ARE AT HIGHER RISK

Indoor lifestyle

Many women spend most of the day indoors — office, meetings, laptop, traffic, shopping mall, home.

Sunlight exposure becomes extremely limited.

Sunscreen & cosmetics

Daily sunscreen is important for skin protection. However, it may also reduce Vitamin D production on the skin. Even makeup products often contain SPF.

Stress & poor recovery

Long-term stress, irregular sleep, and mental exhaustion may affect how the body functions and recovers.

Less outdoor activity

Modern lifestyle means:

  • more screens
  • less walking outdoors
  • less morning sunlight

Darker skin tone or covered clothes

Women with darker skin or with covered clothes naturally require more sunlight exposure to produce adequate Vitamin D.

LOW VITAMIN D MAY FEEL LIKE:

Falling sick more often 

Repeated flu, cough, sore throat, or slower recovery

Feeling emotionally “heavy”

Low mood, emotional swings, feeling mentally drained

Constant tiredness

Even after a full night’s sleep

Body weakness

Low stamina and slower recovery

“I THOUGHT I WAS JUST INTROVERT”

One of the most overlooked parts of Vitamin D deficiency is mood.

Some women describe:

  • feeling emotionally flat
  • losing motivation
  • feeling “off” for months
  • becoming more irritable
  • feeling overwhelmed more easily

This does NOT mean Vitamin D is the only cause of depression or mood disorders.

But Vitamin D does play a role in brain and mood regulation.

Sometimes, low Vitamin D quietly adds to the emotional burden women are already carrying.

PHARMACIST TIP

Don’t Guess. Get Checked.

Many women assume:
“I’m probably okay.”
“I do get some sunlight.”
“I’m just stressed from work.”

But blood tests often show otherwise.

Vitamin D deficiency is called a “silent deficiency” because symptoms are often mistaken as stress, burnout, or emotional exhaustion.

WHAT IS A HEALTHY VITAMIN D LEVEL?

Vitamin D is commonly measured using blood level of 25(OH)D.

General reference:

  • Below 30 nmol/L → Deficient
  • 30–50 nmol/L → Insufficient
  • Above 50 nmol/L → Generally adequate
  • Many healthcare professionals aim for around 75 nmol/L for more optimal support

A blood test helps you understand your current level more clearly.

Because symptoms alone may not tell the full story.

REAL STORIES FROM WOMEN

“I kept getting flu almost every month. I tried all supplements and exercise but remain the same”

— Hana, Female executive, 31

She thought it was office stress and lack of sleep.

After screening, she discovered her Vitamin D level was <10 nmol/L

“I thought I was being sensitive and easily triggered. It affects my sleep until I got my Vitamin D tested”

— Saras, Working mother, 45

She described low mood, irritability, and feeling mentally drained daily.

Her screening later showed insufficient Vitamin D levels.

“I have hyperthyroidism and didn’t realise Vitamin D was low too.”

— Fadhlina, Fresh Graduates, 23

She thought her tiredness and body weakness were entirely due to thyroid issues. She found herself with hyperthyroidism when starting a new job. Later, she discovered her Vitamin D level was also low.

“I am breastfeeding, my baby’s source of Vitamin D is from me, but I did not know my Vitamin D is so low”

— S. Wen, Teacher, 29

During breastfeeding, she was educated that Vitamin D is important for brain development and immunity for baby. What she did not realized is that her Vitamin D level was only 22ng/mL.

WHY VITAMIN D MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK

Immune System Support

Vitamin D helps support immune regulation.

Low levels may affect how the body responds and recovers.

Mood & Emotional Well-being

Some women with low Vitamin D describe:

  • lower mood
  • emotional fatigue
  • lower motivation
  • reduced mental clarity

Muscle Strength & Recovery

Vitamin D supports muscle and physical performance.

Low levels may contribute to body weakness or slower recovery.

Long-Term Women’s Health

Vitamin D is increasingly discussed in women’s health because of its wider role in overall body regulation.

ONE SIZE DOESN’T FIT ALL

Not every woman needs the same supplement approach.

Your needs may differ based on:

  • indoor working hours
  • stress levels
  • skin tone
  • lifestyle
  • sleep quality
  • existing medical conditions

A healthcare professional may help you:

  • understand your Vitamin D status
  • assess your risk factors
  • recommend suitable next steps

Ask yourself one simple question:

“When was the last time I checked my Vitamin D level?”

Sometimes, the body isn’t simply “tired.”

Sometimes, it keeps falling sick, feeling emotionally drained, and struggling to recover…

because it is quietly lacking something important underneath.