Shining light on Vitamin D deficiency

Nearly one third of Australian adults suffer with a Vitamin D deficiency – with the shortage reportedly increasing as a person ages.

A recent study looking at more than 11,000 adults across the country, showed those at a greater risk of deficiency were the elderly, women, and those who were obese.

The results highlighted Vitamin D deficiency as a major public health issue for Australia that requires urgent attention, with study leader Professor Robin Daly of Deakin University in Melbourne stating Vitamin D deficiency was emerging as a “major health problem worldwide”.

According to Professor Daly, low levels of Vitamin D – which is often known as the ‘sunshine’ vitamin – could contribute to a number of serious and potentially life-threatening conditions such as softened bones, muscle weakness and an increase in falls, osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases.

Researchers measured the Vitamin D levels of 11,218 adults aged 25 to 95 years from all six states and the Northern Territory, as part of the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle (AusDiab) study.

The study revealed:

• 31% the population were Vitamin D deficient
• Nearly 73% had levels considered by many experts as ‘below the optimal’ for musculoskeletal health
• The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency increased with age, especially in women; 26% of women aged 25 to 34 years were deficient which increased to 57% for those aged 75 years and over
• People of non-European origin were four to five times more likely to be deficient, and those who were obese and physically inactive were about twice as likely to be Vitamin D deficient

Deficiency also reportedly rose from season to season and location, with shortages in the ‘sunshine’ vitamin more common during winter and in those residing in the southern states of Australia.

How do you ensure you get the right levels of Vitamin D? Share your thoughts by commenting in the box below.