Vitamin D deficiency is recognised as a global public health concern. In the first study of its kind, researchers from major universities and health institutions across the nation have collaborated to assess a national sample of more than 11,000 Australians for vitamin D deficiency. Their findings are staggering.
The study looked at adults 25 years and older from 42 randomly selected districts across Australia. All participants underwent a blood test to check vitamin D levels and an interview process to help determine risk factors. Vitamin D deficiency was classed as a blood concentration of less than 50 nmol/l of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D].
Results revealed that 31% of the study group were vitamin D deficient, (22% of men and 39% of women). Furthermore, four percent of the study group had vitamin D levels less than 25 nmol/l, and 73 percent had levels below 75 nmol/l.
There is ongoing expert debate as to what the healthy blood level of vitamin D should be. Current clinical guidelines suggest that vitamin D levels below 50 nmol/l indicate deficiency, and levels below 75 nmol/l indicate vitamin D insufficiency.
This means that nearly three quarters of all Australians have insufficient vitamin D levels.
Health problems associated with vitamin D deficiency include: musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoporosis, muscle pain and muscle weakness; and cardiovascular disease.
Who’s at risk?
The study revealed certain population groups were more likely to be at risk than others. These were women, the elderly, obese people, those who do less than 2.5 hours of exercise per week, and those from a non-European background. Living in a southern Australian state also proved to be a risk factor.
Interestingly, the study highlighted the difference in deficiency levels depending on the season. For example, during summer and autumn, the levels of deficiency were 6% of men and 13% of women in those in central and northern regions of Australia, and 27% of men and 42% of women in southern Australian regions. In winter and spring, deficiency levels doubled to 15% of men and 31% of women in the northern regions, and increased to 35% of men and 58% of women in the southern states.
What can you do to maintain healthy vitamin D levels?
Requesting a blood test from your healthcare professional is a great place to start. In most cases, deficiency can be corrected with supplementation. Exercising outdoors more and losing excess weight are not only preventative for vitamin D deficiency, but are also good steps to take for overall health and wellbeing. Exercising outdoors during safe times for sun exposure will also help you get some vitamin D-producing rays.
References available on request