Vitamin D garnered a lot of attention during the pandemic for its protective role against respiratory illness, but the nutrient is critical for a number of other bodily functions too. Vitamin D can be eaten and produced in the body through the action of sunlight. Key symptoms of a deficiency in vitamin D include fatigue, bone pain and muscle weakness. In some patients, however, a link between a diminished sense of smell and low levels of vitamin D has been observed.
Smell and taste become progressively impaired with ageing.
According to one study, however, having insufficient levels of vitamin D may predispose individuals to these complications.
The 2020 study, published in the journal Nutrients, aimed to examine the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and smell and taste impairments among adults.
Researchers utilised data retrieved from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
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Smell impairment was defined as failing to correctly identify six or more of the eight odours included in the Pocket Smell Test.
Taste impairment, on the other hand, was defined as failing to correctly identify quinine or sodium chloride.
The researchers noted: “Compared to participants with sufficient vitamin D, those with a vitamin D deficiency were more likely by 39 percent to report a higher prevalence of sell impairment.
“[…] Only participants aged 70-80 with vitamin D inadequacy were more likely by 96 percent to report a higher prevalence of taste impairment.”
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Based on these findings, the researchers concluded: “Vitamin D may have a significant role in age-related smell impairment in adults aged 40 years or older, and in age-related taste impairment in the elderly aged 70 and 80 years.”
Where to find vitamin D?
Vitamin D, dubbed the “sunshine vitamin”, helps maintain bones, muscles and teeth.
It is believed that around one in five adults has suboptimal levels of the nutrient, making it one of the deficiencies one of the most common in the country.
When sunshine is scarce, levels can become exceptionally low, which could lead to long-term health complications if left untreated.
One of the most common symptoms of a deficiency is an increased risk of illness and infections.
The NHS explains: “A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children, and bone pain caused by a condition called osteomalacia in adults.
“Government advice is that everyone should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter.
“People at high risk of not getting enough vitamin D, all children aged one to four, and all babies (unless they’re having more than 500 ml of infant formula a day) should take a daily supplement throughout the year.”
People who choose not to take supplements are encouraged to source their vitamin D from food.
Few foods, however, are naturally rich in the nutrient, but the best sources include fatty fish and fish liver oils.
Smaller amounts of vitamin D can be found in egg yolks, cheese and beef liver, as well as certain mushrooms which are exposed to high amounts of ultraviolet light.
