In my last post, I talked about some of the health risks that go along with vitamin D deficiency. If you missed it and would like to check it out, click here.
So I thought it would be helpful to dive a little deeper into some of the things that can cause vitamin D deficiency.
Here are 6 main causes of vitamin D deficiency (in no particular order):
#1 Darker Complected Skin
The darker your skin the more melanin, or pigment, you have in your skin. Melanin reduces the skin’s ability to make vitamin D when exposed to sunlight (but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use sunscreen because there are still harmful sun rays which you should avoid!). In fact, there are some studies which show that people who are darker complected have a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency.
#2 Not Consuming the Recommended Levels of Vitamin D Through Food
This can happen if you are on a strict vegan diet or don’t consume most foods that contain the natural source of vitamin D, which are mostly animal-based, such as fish and fish oils, egg yolks, fortified milk, and beef liver.
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#3 Limited Exposure to Sunlight Can Cause Vitamin D Deficiency
Whether you are working late hours (ugh, who knows how this feels!?), or you are properly applying your sunscreen (this is an absolute MUST), if you don’t get out into the sun much then your vitamin D level will definitely be lower.
This is because your body makes vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight. (Personally I find this to be pretty cool……that our bodies can make vitamin D from the sun’s rays…….but I’ve always been fascinated by science and physiology!)
So if you are someone who stays in a lot, works late hours, lives in northern areas, wears clothing that covers the majority of the body such as long dresses, hats, long robes (religious coverings), etc, then you are at a MUCH higher risk for vitamin D deficiency.
Of course we all want a little sunlight, but if you do go out in the sun, then it is important to wear sunscreen that is properly applied and is applied frequently. Even though our bodies can make vitamin D with the sun’s rays, it can also make cancer (so to speak)! So it’s important to apply sunblock and wear protective clothing regardless.
If you are out in the sun for hours then you’ll inevitably still absorb enough sun to make some vitamin D……because let’s be honest…….most of us lose track of time and don’t apply our sunblock as often as we should. So please don’t use a need for vitamin D as an excuse not to use sunscreen! 🙂
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#4 Aging Kidneys or Kidney Issues
Your kidneys are responsible for converting vitamin D to its active form but as you age so do your kidneys, making them less capable of converting vitamin D to its active form.
#5 Digestive Tract Issues
With certain medical conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, and celiac disease, your digestive tract’s ability to absorb vitamin D from the food you eat can be affected.
#6 Obesity
Vitamin D is extracted from the blood by fat cells, effectively changing the vitamin D’s release into circulation. Because of this, people with a BMI, or body mass index, of 30 or higher frequently have low levels of vitamin D in their blood.
The best treatment for vitamin D deficiency seems to be diet and supplements. And though there is no consensus on the required levels of vitamin D for optimal health, it is often recommended to get at least 600 international units (IU) per day for everyone ages 1-70, and taking no more than 4,000 IU per day (note that you can overdose on vitamin D).
If you believe you’re experiencing vitamin D deficiency then please see your doctor to get tested. There is risk to overdosing on vitamin D as well so please do not take supplements unless you are sure you need them and your doctor has instructed you to do so.
Whatever you do, please do NOT rely solely on sun exposure for your source of vitamin D. Researchers believe that there is NO safe exposure amount which provides optimal levels of vitamin D. And please DO use sunscreen whenever you go outside!
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I hope that you have found some value in the information about vitamin D deficiency above, and are able to put it to good use!
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Until next time……..
Here’s to achieving true wellness!
*Legal Disclaimer – All information provided above is for educational purposes only. Information should not be construed as medical or legal advice in any capacity and is not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure disease.