Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency can occur due to various factors, including lifestyle, medical conditions, and environmental influences. Here are the primary causes:

• Lack of sun exposure: The body produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Limited sun exposure due to indoor lifestyles, wearing excessive sunscreen, or living in areas with less sunlight can lead to deficiency.
• Dietary deficiency: Not consuming enough vitamin D-rich foods, such as fatty fish (salmon, tuna), egg yolks, fortified dairy, and plant-based milk, can contribute to low levels.
• Darker skin tone: Higher melanin levels in darker skin reduce the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight, increasing the risk of deficiency.
• Aging: Older adults produce less vitamin D because their skin becomes less efficient at synthesising it. Additionally, kidney function declines with age, affecting vitamin D conversion.
• Medical conditions: Certain conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, chronic kidney or liver disease and obesity interfere with vitamin D absorption and metabolism.
• Certain medications: Long-term use of some medications can lower vitamin D levels, including corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, weight-loss drugs affecting fat absorption.