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Posted on Oct 10, 2002, 5 a.m.
By Bill Freeman
Researchers have found that many young adults in the US are not getting enough vitamin D. Results of the study revealed that 30% of participants were deficient in the vitamin at the end of winter, compared to just 11% in the summer. The worst hit age group were 18 to 29 year olds, 36% of whom were suffering from vitamin D deficiency by the time spring arrived.
Researchers have found that many young adults in the US are not getting enough vitamin D. Results of the study revealed that 30% of participants were deficient in the vitamin at the end of winter, compared to just 11% in the summer. The worst hit age group were 18 to 29 year olds, 36% of whom were suffering from vitamin D deficiency by the time spring arrived. The main sources of vitamin D are fortified milk and cereals, and oily fish, however the body also manufactures its own vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight, thus explaining why deficiencies were more common in winter. Vitamin D is essential for strong bones, and recent research suggests that it may help to protect against several types of cancer. Study leader Dr Vin Tangpricha recommends: "young adults who do not regularly eat vitamin D-containing foods should take a multivitamin, especially during the winter months." Experts also advise exposing the skin to sunlight for 10-15 minutes each day.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: The American Journal of Medicine 2002; 112:659-662
