D Deficiency SOARS Despite Wide Availability

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted June 29, 2024

When you hear it, it seems odd at first. Unlikely even.

After all, we’ve learned so much about vitamin D in the last few years. And widespread reporting on how vital it is for good health and how common it is to run low should mean the problem was corrected long ago, right?

Well, it turns out vitamin D deficiency is still quite common despite that coverage.

It continues to impact the health of people of all ages despite the nutrient’s wide availability through sunlight, food, and supplements.

If you want to fix the problem, you must recognize that many factors can contribute to low vitamin D levels, including some that are beyond personal control.

As we age, our bodies undergo changes that can make it more challenging to maintain optimal vitamin D levels.

• As seniors, our skin loses some ability to synthesize vitamin D from sunlight, putting us at a higher risk of deficiency.
• Certain medical conditions, including obesity, chronic kidney disease, and some autoimmune disorders, can interfere with our body’s ability to effectively absorb and metabolize vitamin D.
• Lifestyle factors also play a significant role in vitamin D status. Many folks spend most of their time indoors, limiting their sunlight exposure, a primary source of vitamin D.
• Additionally, if you live in a region with limited sunlight, especially during winter, you may find it harder to get enough vitamin D from natural sources.
• Plus, sunscreen can reduce your skin’s ability to synthesize vitamin D.

However, despite these challenges, it’s crucial to PRIORITIZE getting enough vitamin D, as it plays a vital role in maintaining your overall health and well-being.

For example, we need adequate vitamin D to build and maintain strong bones, as the nutrient helps your body absorb calcium effectively. Plus, vitamin D supports immune function, allowing your body to fight off infections and reduce disease-driving inflammation.

Adequate D supports muscle strength, skin health, blood sugar control, brain health, and heart health. And recent research also suggests that vitamin D plays a role in regulating mood, with deficiency being linked to an increased risk of depression.

Ask your doctor for a blood test to find out if you’re vitamin D deficient.

If you ARE low on vitamin D you can start by making some lifestyle changes, like spending more time outside in the sun daily and eating more vitamin-D-rich foods such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products. And then consider taking a vitamin D supplement.

It’s important to retest your levels at different times of the year—especially if you change how much sun exposure you’re getting.

P.S. [Alert] These 6 conditions STEAL your vitamin D!

Source:

Mavar, M., Sorić, T., Bagarić, E., Sarić, A., & Matek Sarić, M. The Power of Vitamin D: Is the Future in Precision Nutrition through Personalized Supplementation Plans? Nutrients, 16(8), 1176.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More By Dr. Scott Olson, ND