
People who live in a hot climate may also be at risk, as they often try to avoid the heat and strong sunlight by staying indoors. Geographical factors: People living in certain parts of the word - Northern Canada and Alaska, for example - may have less access to the sun’s UVB rays, especially in winter. The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) recommend that people who use a lot of sunscreen or wear clothing that covers the body should include sources of vitamin D in their diet.

Those who wear clothes that cover all of their body, whether to protect it from the sun or for cultural or religious reasons, may also have a higher risk of a deficiency. These people have less opportunity to expose their skin to sunlight. Lifestyle factors: Some people spend little time outdoors due to work, ill health, a lack of outdoor space in their neighborhood, or other factors. Various factors can increase the risk of a deficiency.ĭiet: People who do not eat enough vitamin D-rich foods, including fortified dairy products and cereals, may have low levels of vitamin D. Share on Pinterest A person’s diet may contribute to vitamin D deficiency. Learn more about the health benefits of vitamin D. However, taking the supplement did not appear to reduce the risk of diabetes developing. Vitamin D levels increased in those who took the supplement. However, in a 2019 study, 2,423 people at risk of type 2 diabetes took either a vitamin D supplement of 4,000 international units (IU) a day or a placebo. Some experts have suggested that vitamin D may help prevent type 2 diabetes. regulating blood pressure and supporting cardiovascular health.reducing inflammation, which helps prevent diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.supporting bone health by enabling the absorption of calcium.Vitamin D has many important functions, including: At risk of deficiency: 30 nmol/l or less.Too high and possibly harmful: 125 nmol/l or more.The results of a serum vitamin D blood test may show the following:

To use it, the body needs to convert it to an active form called 25-hydroxyvitamin D or calcidiol. When vitamin D enters the body, it is not in an active form. It is present in a small number of foods, including fortified products.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that the body produces when the skin gets exposed to sunlight. Share on Pinterest A person may experience vitamin D deficiency if they do not get exposure to enough sunlight.
