Vitamin D – Are You Deficient?
5 April 2010
You may be surprised Vitamin D deficiency is now recognized as a world-wide problem with health consequences even in a sunshine region.
The major cause of vitamin D deficiency is the lack of appreciation that sun exposure in moderation is the major source of vitamin D for most humans. Increased skin pigmentation markedly reduces vitamin D synthesis.
Inadequate dietary intake, winter season, latitude, aging, medication and certain medical condition are also associated with increased risk of vitamin D deficiency.
In Australia, a dramatic increase in skin cancer rates resulted in the promotion of sun-safe policy to avoid exposing the skin to direct sunlight without sun protection, i.e., clothing or sunscreen.
This message has resulted in a marked increase in the risk of vitamin deficiency in Australia. Studies suggest that upwards of 30–50% of children and adults world wide are at risk of vitamin D deficiency.
Very few foods naturally contain vitamin D, which is found in small quantities in foods such as fatty fish, Liver, and eggs. Foods that are fortified with vitamin D are often inadequate to satisfy either a child’s or an adult’s vitamin D requirement.
Vitamin D deficiency and Health Consequences:
Vitamin D deficiency can have musculoskeletal and nonskeletal consequences.
* It causes growth retardation and rickets in children and will precipitate and exacerbate osteopenia, osteoporosis, and fractures in adults
* It has been associated with proximal muscle weakness, increase in body sway, and an increased risk of falling
* It has been associated with increased risk of common cancers, autoimmune diseases, hypertension, and infectious diseases
Mild vitamin D deficiency is defined as serum 25-OHD levels in the range 25–50 nmol/L
Moderate vitamin D deficiency is defined as serum 25-OHD levels of 12.5–25 nmol/L
Severe vitamin D deficiency is defined as Serum 25-OHD levels of < 12.5 nmol/L.
A circulating level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D of >75 nmol/L, or 30 ng/mL, is required to maximize vitamin D’s beneficial effects for health. In the absence of adequate sun exposure, at least 800–1000 IU vitamin D3/day may be needed to achieve this level in children and adults. To treat moderate to severe vitamin D deficiency, supplementation with 3000-5000 IU/day for 6–12 weeks is often recommended.
Source: Am J Clin Nutr 2008;87(suppl):1080S– 6S. MJA 2005; 182 (6):281-285
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