Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that your body needs for optimal health. It plays a vital role in bone health, immunity, and mental health, among other things. Unfortunately, many people around the world suffer from vitamin D deficiency.

While anyone can be at risk for vitamin D deficiency, some groups are more likely to experience this condition due to lifestyle, dietary choices, and geographic location. Here are some of the groups that are at risk for vitamin D deficiency.

People with Dark Skin

If you have a naturally dark complexion, you may be at higher risk for vitamin D deficiency. This is because melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color, can reduce your skin’s ability to produce vitamin D in response to sunlight.

It is estimated that people with darker skin need up to six times more sun exposure to produce the same amount of vitamin D as someone with lighter skin.

People who Live in Northern Climates

If you live in a northern climate, you may be at risk for vitamin D deficiency. This is because the angle of the sun during the winter months makes it difficult for your skin to produce vitamin D.

Additionally, people who live in northern climates may spend more time indoors during the winter due to colder temperatures and less daylight, further reducing their exposure to sunlight.

Older Adults

As we age, our bodies become less efficient at producing and absorbing vitamin D. Additionally, older adults may spend more time indoors and have limited access to a variety of foods, which can put them at risk for vitamin D deficiency.

Breastfed Infants

Breast milk is a great source of nutrition for infants, but it may not provide enough vitamin D. This is especially true for infants who are exclusively breastfed and do not receive any other sources of vitamin D.

For this reason, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants receive a vitamin D supplement from the first few weeks of life.

People with Obesity

If you are overweight or obese, you may be at risk for vitamin D deficiency. This is because vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means that it is stored in fat cells.

People with excess body fat may have lower levels of circulating vitamin D because it is not being released from their fat cells.

People with Malabsorption Disorders

Some medical conditions, such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and cystic fibrosis, can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb and utilize vitamin D.

If you have one of these conditions, you may be at risk for vitamin D deficiency and should discuss supplementation with your healthcare provider.

Vegans and Vegetarians

While vitamin D is naturally found in some animal-based foods, such as fatty fish and egg yolks, it is not present in many plant-based foods.

For this reason, vegans and vegetarians may be at risk for vitamin D deficiency and may need to consider supplementation or fortified foods.

People who Use Sunscreen Regularly

While wearing sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, it can also reduce your skin’s ability to produce vitamin D.

If you use sunscreen regularly, you may need to spend more time in the sun to produce enough vitamin D. Alternatively, you can consider taking a vitamin D supplement to ensure adequate levels.

People with Limited Sun Exposure

If you spend most of your time indoors or wear clothing that covers your skin, you may be at risk for vitamin D deficiency. This is because your skin needs direct exposure to sunlight in order to produce vitamin D.

If you have limited sun exposure, you may need to consider supplementation or consuming foods that are high in vitamin D.

People with Kidney Disease

The kidneys play an essential role in converting vitamin D to its active form, which is used by the body.

If you have kidney disease or are undergoing dialysis, your body may be less efficient at converting vitamin D, which can put you at risk for deficiency.

Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency is a common condition that affects many people around the world. While anyone can be at risk for deficiency, some groups are more likely to experience this condition due to lifestyle, dietary choices, and geographic location.

If you are at risk for vitamin D deficiency, speak with your healthcare provider about the best ways to ensure adequate levels of this vital nutrient.