Vitamin D Deficiency Is On The Rise

It seems that vitamin D deficiency is on the rise.  The fact is people are spending more time indoors, less time outside, and wearing more sunscreen to protect their skin from harmful UV rays. All this adds up to threatening health risks for many individuals who don’t get adequate sun exposure. Low levels of vitamin D put them at risk for threatening health conditions.

What are the possible health conditions that can occur from vitamin D deficiency?

• Osteoporosis

Reduced bone densities, and fragile and thinning bones, are characteristics of this most common bone disease. Osteoporosis makes the body vulnerable to many bone fractures that can occur with this disease.

• Rickets

Although rickets was thought to be a bone disease of years ago, this bone disease has unfortunately, seen a slow increase in recent years. This debilitating disease can lead to softening and weakening of the bones.

• Increased Risk for Developing Several Health Problems

Several health conditions have been linked to insufficient amounts of Vitamin D.
Studies have shown inadequate amounts of vitamin D can contribute to an increase in chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, auto-immune diseases, chronic pain, and fibromyalgia.

• Osteomalacia

Increased bone fragility and muscle weakness are frequently symptoms shown by this disease. This bone disease usually occurs in adults.

How can a person raise their vitamin D levels?

• Increase your sunlight exposure

Little or no exposure to the sun can result in a vitamin D deficiency. Although prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays has been linked to an increase in skin cancer, proper precautions can be taken to avoid this. Refrain from sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Remember to also provide adequate sunscreen for any prolonged outdoor activity in the sun.

• A diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D

Fish, salmon, sardines, pure cod liver oil, and fortified, low-fat milk products all are excellent food sources for vitamin D.

It’s best to have your vitamin D levels by your doctor checked to see if any additional supplements will be needed.