In the United States, about 35% of adults are vitamin D deficient, according to the National Library of Medicine of the National Institutes of Health.
It is estimated that the number is higher for certain populations, such as residents of nursing homes and hospitalized patients. These groups not only spend more time indoors but may also be at greater risk of vitamin D deficiency due to changes in skin and stomach absorption as the body ages.
People with darker skin are also at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency, according to the National Library of Medicine. Certain medical conditions, including obesity, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or liver or kidney disease, can also lead to deficiency.
What do you need to know about this important vitamin?
Why is it important?
The main role of vitamin D is to help our body maintain calcium and bones. But new research suggests it may also help in other parts of the body, such as reducing energy and mood.
Signs of vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency is quite common, and many people do not feel symptoms. Ideally, a doctor should perform a blood test to check vitamin D levels.
However, severe vitamin D deficiency can cause bone health issues, including bone pain, thinning, osteopenia (decreased bone mineral density), or osteomalacia (softening of the bones). Therefore, one of the first signs of vitamin D deficiency is bone pain or worsening arthritis. A continuous decrease in bone density, known as osteoporosis, puts people at greater risk of bone fractures – a serious medical concern for the elderly.
How to increase vitamin D intake?
The ideal way to obtain vitamin D is through diet or sun exposure (without forgetting sunscreen).
About 50% to 90% of vitamin D is absorbed by the skin through sunlight, while the rest comes from the foods we eat, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Incorporating foods rich in or fortified with vitamin D, including milk, yogurt, and certain fatty fish, helps.
Vitamin D supplements and cod liver oil can also help increase vitamin D levels but should be taken under the guidance and recommendation of a doctor.
Source: CBS News