Americans with a high risk of vitamin D deficiency

One third of Americans over the age of one are at risk for inadequate vitamin D. Up to 8% are risk of vitamin D deficiency. This from a new report by the National Center for Health Statistics. In addition to that, 1% of Americans go the opposite direction with an excess of vitamin D.

People who get out in the sun, up to 30 minutes a week will usually do it, do not generally have low levels of vitamin D. However, as we become more sedentary and computer dependent, our time in the sun is diminishing.

Vitamin D is good for a lot of things and low levels of vitamin D are connected to all kinds of health risks. It helps encourage the absorption of calcium and phosphorous. An immune system regulator, it helps keep bones health and may reduce multiple sclerosis risk. It also helps support brain chemistry. Vitamin might also help regulate body weight and the severity of asthma. It has a relationship as well to rheumatoid arthritis particularly in women. Vitamin has also recently been found t have some cancer protecting qualities and is being researched for more information in that regard in particular.

People living in warmer weather or tropical climates are at a reduced rate for deficiency. Levels also varied by age, sex, race and ethnicity. Younger male and non-Hispanic white people have a lower risk of inadequate levels of vitamin D. Cloud cover, smog and sunscreen will reduce the natural development of vitamin D in our bodies. If you don’t get enough D through sunlight exposure then you are advised to take supplements or monitor your diet to be sure you get adequate amounts.

Best sources are fish, like tuna, mackerel and salmon, and fish liver oils. Beef liver, cheese and egg yolks also have vitamin D. Look for fortified foods which also contain vitamin D; milk is a good example of that.

Source: MedicalNewsToday