Find out if you’re among the many at risk for Vitamin D deficiency due to staying indoors, modern lifestyles, and clothing choices, and learn why it’s crucial for your health.
New research highlights the importance of one of the most crucial vitamins that the human body needs: Vitamin D. Studies show that around 70% of people are unaware of the sources of Vitamin D and how it reaches our bodies. Despite this lack of awareness, approximately 85% of people do not take enough of it, while only 15% take supplements based on a doctor’s recommendation.
Research indicates that most people know that sunlight is a key source of Vitamin D, but there are other primary sources (40% for women versus 15% for men). Lack of exposure to sunlight is one of the main reasons for Vitamin D deficiency.
Experts suggest that our modern lifestyles, especially in cities, along with fear of skin cancer, prevent people from getting Vitamin D from its primary source – the sun. This leads to increased risks and causes of Vitamin D deficiency. Maintaining adequate Vitamin D levels is crucial and vital for several bodily functions, reducing the risk of many diseases. It’s well known that Vitamin D is important for bone health, but a deficiency isn’t just related to bone issues. It can contribute to the development of other diseases, including those related to the immune system, such as multiple sclerosis (an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system), and even cancer.
In 2008, some specialized agencies issued recommendations to encourage regular testing to ensure everyone aged 65 and over receives 1000 IU (International Units) of Vitamin D daily, regardless of their diet or sun exposure habits. However, according to these recommendations, only 22% of participants in surveys aged 55 and over take Vitamin D supplements.
Other recent studies have explored the reasons for Vitamin D deficiency in some modern societies and compared them to Vitamin D levels in non-modern societies. These studies indicate that Vitamin D levels are lower in modern women who wear concealing clothing, covering most of their bodies, making them less exposed than non-modern women.
One expert in the field suggests that anyone who doesn’t get enough sun exposure – whether due to social or religious reasons – is essentially preventing sunlight from reaching their body. This increases the risk of Vitamin D deficiency in these communities. We need to be more aware of the importance of this vitamin in our society.
Professor Al-Massoud, who was involved in this research, emphasizes that it is vital for everyone concerned about their health to check their Vitamin D levels and, based on the results, address any deficiency through supplements. The researchers highlight the importance of screening older adults, those over 50, and anyone who isn’t regularly exposed to sunlight due to their work or lifestyle to assess their risk of Vitamin D deficiency. Today, modern technology, including affordable and accessible blood tests, makes it easy to assess Vitamin D levels in our bodies. This is something that wasn’t readily available in the past.
