Vitamin D deficiency is when the body lacks enough of the vitamin, affecting how it functions. It’s an important vitamin as it helps regulate the amount of phosphate a person has, which are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles strong and healthy. Some of the early symptoms of the condition include bone and back pain, hair loss and fatigue. In some studies, vitamin D deficiency has even been found to be linked to dementia, prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction.
Some people are more at risk of vitamin D deficiency – are you at risk?
Because vitamin D deficiency can effect the joints and bones, Arthritis Research UK outlines the possible causes of vitamin D deficiency, and seven groups of people that could be at risk.
Obesity
It says: “Vitamin D is fat soluble, which doesn’t allow it to circulate as freely.”
Dark skinned people
It explains: “Melanin in darker kin reduces the ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight exposure.”
Limited sun exposure
This eliminates one of the two possible sources of vitamin D, according to its website.
Older adults
It says: “As people age, the skin isn’t able to synthesise vitamin D as effectively, and reduced kidney function impacts the ability to covert vitamin D.”
Breastfed infants
Sufficiency is dependent on the mother’s vitamin D sufficiency level, it advises.
Anticonvulsants
It says: “Antiepileptic medications can affect vitamin D metabolism leading to deficiency.”
Other
It says: “Gastric bypass patients have less small intestine available to absorb vitamin D.”
There are five ways recommended to help you avoid vitamin D deficiency when levels are low, according nutritionist Karen Langston, a spokesperson for the National Association of Nutrition Professionals.
Speaking to Arthritis Foundation she said these include eating more fish and simply opening a window.