Vitamin D is essential for a healthy body and is necessary for the absorption of calcium for strong bones. However, many women are unaware that they may be deficient in this important nutrient.

Research has shown that women are at an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency, and there are several reasons behind this.

Reason #1: Sunscreen use

While sunscreen is important for protecting the skin from harmful UV rays, it can also have a negative impact on vitamin D levels. Sunscreen blocks UVB rays, which are needed for the skin to produce vitamin D.

Women who always wear sunscreen when they go outside can have a higher risk of developing a vitamin D deficiency.

Reason #2: Lack of sun exposure

Vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin” because our bodies can make it when our skin is exposed to the sun.

However, many women spend most of their time indoors, particularly those who work long hours or live in areas with little sunshine. This can result in a lack of sun exposure and a vitamin D deficiency.

Reason #3: Pregnancy

Pregnant women have an increased risk of developing a vitamin D deficiency because their bodies require more of the nutrient to support the growth and development of their unborn baby.

If a pregnant woman is deficient in vitamin D, it can lead to complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm birth.

Age: Reason #4

As women age, their bodies become less efficient at producing vitamin D. This means that older women are at an increased risk of developing a deficiency as they may not be able to produce enough vitamin D to meet their body’s needs.

Obesity: Reason #5

Obese women are at an increased risk of developing a vitamin D deficiency. This is because vitamin D is stored in fat cells and cannot be released into the body when it is needed.

As a result, obese women may require higher doses of vitamin D to maintain healthy levels.

Reason #6: Breastfeeding

Women who breastfeed their babies may be at an increased risk of developing a vitamin D deficiency. Breast milk is a poor source of vitamin D, and babies who are exclusively breastfed may not receive enough of the nutrient.

This can lead to a deficiency in both the mother and child.

Reason #7: Medications

Some medications can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb and use vitamin D. Women who take certain medications, such as anticonvulsants or glucocorticoids, may be at an increased risk of developing a deficiency.

Reason #8: Geographic location

The amount of sunlight that is available varies widely depending on geographic location. Women who live in areas with less sunshine may have an increased risk of developing a vitamin D deficiency.

Reason #9: Skin color

People with darker skin have more melanin, which can reduce the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D. Women with darker skin may require more sun exposure to produce the same amount of vitamin D as someone with lighter skin.

Reason #10: Strict vegan or vegetarian diets

Vitamin D is found primarily in animal products such as fish, eggs, and dairy. Women who follow strict vegan or vegetarian diets may not consume enough of these foods to meet their vitamin D needs.