Vitamin D is very difficult to source through food so our natural synthesis through exposure too daylight is essential. There are several population groups which will struggle more to obtain the appropriate amount of vitamin due to lifestyle, culture or health conditions:
Older People: As we age our ability to synthesise vitamin reduces. If there is already a health problem, such as osteopenia or osteoporosis, this could effect bone health further.
Mobility: Where there are mobility issues, the individual may have difficulty getting outside so their exposure to sunlight is limited.
Culture: Some dress codes connected to culture or religion can limit the exposure of skin to sunlight, therefore increasing the risk of vitamin D deficiency. Taking the RDA of vitamin D using foods and/or supplements could help prevent deficiency.
Use of Sunscreen and Make Up Foundations: These creams and powders will inhibit the skins ability to absorb sunlight, which in turn could create Vitamin D deficiency. There has been a huge push for protection from the sun's harmful rays in order to help reduce the risk of skin cancer. This has led to an increase in vitamin D deficiency.
Obesity: The skins ability to synthesise Vitamin D is not affected by Obesity. However, the bodies ability to release vitamin D into the circulation is affected as the fat cells appear to hide vitamin D away.
Gastric Surgery including Bypass also affects vitamin D absorption as it is fat soluble. If the part of digestion which processes fats is affected by surgery, then processing fat soluble vitamins is diminished.
Depression: For individuals who already experience depression and associated difficulties, the darker evenings and lack of exposure to daylight can increase their low mood. Taking the RDA of vitamin D using foods and/or supplements could help prevent lowering of mood.
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