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Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Other Illness

parsonsBy Moby Parsons, MD

Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, helps the body regulate the use of calcium. Calcium in stored in bones and therefore, vitamin D is critical for bone health.

Vitamin D deficiency may be common particularly in northern climates where the days are shorter for much of the year, limiting people’s exposure to UV light. In addition to osteoporosis, vitamin D deficiency has been linked to other illnesses and conditions. These include dementia, prostate cancer, heart disease, depression, schizophrenia and glucose intolerance. It is also felt to be important for proper immune system function in preventing the flu and other infections.

Because it is a fat soluble vitamin, people who are overweight or obese require more vitamin D to account for their greater storage capacity. Thus, obesity is a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency. While a normal healthy diet should provide ample vitamin D, additional supplementation of Vitamin D may help prevent the health effects deficiency which is especially important for older people who may be at higher risk of heart disease, cancer, dementia and fracture.

If you have experienced a low-energy fracture or multiple fractures, you should consult with your physician about testing for this deficiency as prescription high-dose supplementation may be necessary to restore proper levels.