Vitamin D Deficiency

Updated on May 13th, 2008 @ 4:39pm
Source: Daily Breeze

Why do we have vitamin D deficiency even in sunny California?

Vitamin D is very important for overall health and well-being. Lack of vitamin D can increase risk of chronic diseases such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, Type 1 diabetes, arthritis and depression. Vitamin D also is essential for maintaining bone strength and plays an important role in the absorption of calcium from the bowel. Our body gets more than 90 percent of its vitamin D from sunlight and 10 percent from diet. Deficiency of this vitamin is common in all age groups. This is due to increased use of sunscreens, diminished outdoor activity and little vitamin D in diets. An annual measurement of vitamin D level and timely treatment with pills may reduce your overall risk of chronic diseases linked to vitamin D deficiency. You should not discontinue sunscreen use without consulting your doctor.

Wasima Masoodi, M.D.

Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine and Endocrinology; Member, South Bay Independent Physicians Medical Group, Inc.

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