Society’s “sun block passion” may be causing worldwide vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is called the sunshine vitamin because 90 percent comes from sunshine. Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and teeth. It is especially important to women as it may slow down the progress of osteoporosis.
Alarmingly, vitamin D deficiency is widespread in the United Kingdom. Research suggests that around 2 in 10 adults and 9 out of 10 adults of South Asian origin may be vitamin D deficient. According to the National Centre for Health Statistics, as many as 36% of Americans are vitamin D deficient and a recent study in the UAE showed that 65 percent of females and 60 per cent of men tested were vitamin D deficient.
Vitamin D deficiency in hot climates may be surprising given that there is all year round sunshine, but in very hot weather it is very tempting to stay inside during the day and only venture out after dark. Many people living in hot countries do not get sufficient vitamin D as they no longer spend time in sunlight unless covered up or using a high-factor sunscreen.
This may be the result of such a strong anti-sun protection campaign that people feel they must cover up or wear high-factor sunscreens at all times to prevent sunburn, skin cancer or premature aging.
If you work indoors and do not get some exposure to sunlight on a regular basis (free of wearing sunscreens and makeup), it’s quite possible that you are compromising your health by being deficient in vitamin D.
You don’t need to stay in the sun for long to build up vitamin D stores in the body, and you can benefit from the sun rays even on a cloudy day. For most of us, 10 minutes’ exposure, wearing normal clothes — exposing just a bit of hands, arms and face — should supply you with all the vitamin D you need. But those at risk or with a history of skin cancer or with sun-sensitive skin conditions should check with their dermatologist first
What is vitamin D?
Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin found in food. Technically, it is a hormone and it is produced in the body when the skin is exposed to the ultraviolet rays in sunlight.
Why do we need vitamin D?
It is essential for maintaining healthy muscles, bones and teeth. It helps maintain a strong immune system to prevent disease, and cancer.
Prolonged deficiency may increase the risk of getting osteoporosis (bone thinning).
Signs of deficiency include bone pain and muscle weakness. The diagnosis of rickets or osteomalacia caused by lack of vitamin D is based on visible symptoms and the appearance of bones on X-rays, and a low level of vitamin D by-products in the blood.
How to boost your health by getting vitamin D?
A healthy 10-minute daily walk in the early morning sunshine with at least hands and face uncovered is said to be enough for most although cancer research suggests people avoid spending long periods out in the sun during the hottest part of the day (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
Foods containing vitamin D are: Liver, some fish (mainly oily or dark fish such as, sardines, pilchards, trout, salmon, tuna and mackerel). Some breakfast cereals have added vitamin D.
Permea Plus supplement is highly recommended as it contains everything your body needs including vitamin D and can be taking along with a healthy diet and a daily walk.
With all things we need a balanced approach and to make time for a little fresh air and sunshine daily because it is vital to our well being.
Ask Alva
I am feeling very tired and feel I may be lacking in iron and anaemic. Can you suggest a supplement? — Mary
Don’t diagnose yourself. If you have symptoms that you are concerned about, the first thing you should do is see a trained doctor who will make a skilled diagnosis. Your doctor is your body’s best friend and modern diagnostic techniques prevent disease. Your doctor will tell you whether or not you need an iron supplement, and how much you need to take. - [email protected]
