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Dangerously Lacking: The Sunshine Vitamin

- Life & Arts -


According to a 2018 study by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NAHNES), vitamin D levels have been on the decline for years in the U.S.


“Vitamin D deficiency (VDD)) and insufficiency (VDI) are increasing at a global level, and they are associated with increased risk of various diseases,” the report said.


Vitamin D is naturally produced in the body via the absorption of the sunlight’s ultraviolet rays into the skin. According to Definitive research D is essential to the absorption of calcium in the bones. Therefore, the older population, which usually struggles with VDD, will often struggle with osteoporosis and poor bone strength.


Vitamin D is important for everyday life and health. That’s why it’s imperative we try to get outdoors—even in the cold. Studies have shown that populations with prolonged exposure to the sun rarely ever have issues with VDD-related diseases. While on the other hand, populations with little or no exposure to the sun (usually the ones in colder climates) will have high numbers of VDD and VDI cases every year.


 

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Mary Hugh

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