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Vitamin D levels too low across the globe

Category: Vitamin D Deficiency-Diagnosis and Treatment

Vitamin D deficiency is dangerously common across the planet and the problem is getting worse according to a new report by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF).

Although there is some debate in the scientific community as to what the optimal level of vitamin D should be, the IOF's report found that the vitamin D status of many populations across the globe were inadequate no matter which standard measure was used.

Many factors can contribute to a higher risk of inadequate vitamin D, including being older, female, living somewhere with a longer winter season, having darker skin pigmentation and lower levels of overall reduction in exposure to sunlight. The nutritional intake of vitamin D varies also with dietary habits and whether or not vitamin D fortification of food is common.

Other cultural factors can increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency if they provoke people to stay out of the sun. A trend towards urbanization, which tends to result in people staying indoors more, can be a risk factor, as can cultural trends toward wearing clothing that covers more of the skin.