I’ve lost my superpower

So, I got my blood test results back.

My cholesterol, glucose and iron levels are all perfect. Go me!

But … it turns out I have a vitamin D deficiency.

It’s not easy for a redhead to have a vitamin D deficiency. Our lower melanin concentration mean we’re meant to be better at producing Vitamin D when exposed to low light conditions.

It’s supposed to be a ginger’s superpower and very handy during the Northern Hemisphere’s long, dark winters.

When a redhead goes outside, they produce more vitamin D in a shorter amount of time than people with other hair colours.

But for some reason my body isn’t superpowering in sunny Australia.

I was a bit whatever when the doctor told me, it didn’t seem very significant to have a Vitamin D deficiency. Doesn’t everyone have one these days with their rashie vests and SPF50+?

But I’ve since Googled the signs and symptoms of a deficiency and they do seem to match what I’ve been feeling.

They include getting sick a lot, as one of vitamin D’s most important roles is keeping your immune system strong so you’re able to fight off viruses and bacteria that cause illness. Tick!

It can also lead to feeling tired. Tick!

Lower back pain may be another sign of inadequate vitamin D levels in the blood. Ooooh, tick!

And a depressed mood can be one. Some studies have found that supplementing vitamin D levels improves mood.

It’s also been suggested that vitamin D’s role in controlling inflammation and fighting infection is important for healing, which may explain why the corners of my mouth are cracked.

I’ll report back after I’ve been supplementing myself for a few days … or does it take weeks?

Fingers crossed the capsules work – I’m getting pretty bored with having a sore throat.

Song of the day: Dolly Parton “Joelene” (tenuous link … is about a redhead … but a cracking song …)