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Vitamin D deficiency is widespread and on the increase
Report shows that populations across the globe are suffering from the
impact of low levels of vitamin D, with highest rates in South Asia and
the Middle East |
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A new report issued by
the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and published in the
scientific journal Osteoporosis International1,
shows that populations across the globe are suffering from the impact of
low levels of vitamin D. The problem is widespread and on the increase,
with potentially severe repercussions for overall health and fracture
rates.
Compiled by IOF’s
expert working group on nutrition, the report reviews the scope and
causes of low vitamin D levels in six regions: Asia, Europe, Latin
America, Middle East and Africa, North America and Oceania.
Regional reports are available on the IOF website
Vitamin D is mainly produced in the skin upon exposure to sunlight, and,
to a lesser extent, is derived from nutritional sources. It plays an
important role, through its influence on calcium levels, in the
maintenance of organ systems, and is needed for normal bone
mineralization and growth. Suboptimal levels of vitamin D may lead to
increased risk of osteoporosis and hip fracture and, in severe cases, to
the development of rickets, a softening of bones in children that can
lead to skeletal fractures and deformity.
Although there is ongoing debate as to what constitutes the optimal
level of vitamin D, the report shows that regardless of whether it is
defined at 50nmol/L or 75nmol/L, vitamin D status is seriously
inadequate in large proportions of the population across the globe.
The main risk factors for low vitamin D levels include older age, female
sex, lower latitudes, winter season, darker skin pigmentation, less
sunlight exposure, dietary habits, and the absence of vitamin D
fortification in common foods. Further factors include the increase in
urbanization, where people tend to live and work indoors, as well as
cultural practices that tend towards sun avoidance and the wearing of
traditional clothing that covers the skin. The severity of the problem
in Middle East and South Asia arises from the combination of several of
these risk factors.
These findings suggest that prevention strategies must be initiated at
the national level - especially given the increasing ageing of
populations in many regions of the world. National plans of action
should encourage safe, limited exposure to sunlight and improved dietary
intake of vitamin D, whilst considering fortification of foods as well.
1. A. Mithal, D.A. Wahl, J-P. Bonjour et al. on behalf of the IOF
Committee of Scientific Advisors (CSA) Nutrition Working Group. Global
vitamin D status and determinants of hypovitaminosis D (2009)
Osteoporosis International, in press.
2. Regional reports for Asia, Europe, Latin
America, Middle East and Africa, North America and Oceania may be
downloaded free of charge from the
IOF website.
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