Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays several critical roles in the body, including supporting bone health, regulating blood pressure, and maintaining a healthy immune system.

Unfortunately, not everyone obtains adequate levels of vitamin D, putting them at risk of developing several health concerns. In this article, we will discuss who is at risk of not getting enough Vitamin D.

Breastfed Infants

Breastfeeding provides many health benefits to infants. However, breast milk does not always contain sufficient vitamin D levels. Therefore, breastfed infants may require vitamin D supplementation to maintain optimum health.

Elderly Population

The aging process often leads to a decline in the body’s ability to synthesize vitamin D. Moreover, elderly individuals may spend much of their time indoors, limiting their exposure to sunlight, a vital source of vitamin D.

This puts them at risk of developing vitamin D deficiencies.

Dark-skinned Individuals

The pigmentation of the skin determines how much vitamin D the body can synthesize from sunlight. Dark-skinned individuals require more prolonged exposure to sunlight than light-skinned individuals to produce adequate amounts of vitamin D.

Moreover, increased melanin levels decrease vitamin D synthesis in the skin, increasing the risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Obese Individuals

Adipose tissue stores vitamin D, making it less available for use in the body. Obese individuals tend to have higher body fat percentages, which can lead to lower vitamin D levels in the bloodstream.

Furthermore, excess weight makes it difficult to maintain an active lifestyle and limits outdoor activities, reducing sun exposure that could boost vitamin D production.

Individuals with Minimal Sun Exposure

Vitamin D synthesis in the skin occurs through exposure to UVB rays in sunlight. Individuals who live in regions with minimal sun exposure, or those who avoid the sun due to skin cancer concerns, are at risk of developing vitamin D deficiencies.

Individuals with Gastrointestinal Disorders

Vitamin D absorption occurs primarily in the small intestine. Individuals with malabsorption syndromes such as irritable bowel disease, celiac disease, and cystic fibrosis are at higher risk of developing vitamin D deficiency.

Individuals with Renal Diseases

The kidneys play a critical role in vitamin D metabolism by converting inactive vitamin D to its active form.

Individuals with renal diseases, including chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease, are at increased risk of developing vitamin D deficiencies as their kidneys may not function correctly.

Strict Vegans and Vegetarians

Natural food sources of vitamin D are limited and include animal products such as fatty fish, liver, and egg yolks. Strict vegans and vegetarians may not consume these food sources, putting them at risk of developing vitamin D deficiencies.

However, some plant sources, such as fortified cereals and soy products, can provide vegan and vegetarian-friendly sources of vitamin D.

Individuals Living at Higher Latitudes

The amount of vitamin D synthesis that occurs in the skin is dependent on the angle and intensity of sunlight. Individuals living at higher latitudes receive less intense sunlight, reducing their exposure to UVB rays.

As a result, these individuals are at higher risk of developing vitamin D deficiencies.

Conclusion

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in overall health. The above-listed groups of people are at increased risk of developing vitamin D deficiencies, but anyone can develop low vitamin D levels without proper supplementation.

Talk to your healthcare provider to determine if you are at risk for developing vitamin D deficiencies.