According to a national survey (www.medicinenet.com), vitamin D levels in blood testing have decreased dramatically since 1988. Currently, according to this source, almost 75% of the population is thought to be potentially below normal, indicating an epidemic of vitamin D deficiency.
The Centers for Disease Control, however, say about a fourth of the population of the U.S. are at risk for low vitamin D blood levels. Either way, this nutrient is highly underrated and overlooked.
For the back story, years ago, skin cancer occurrences began rising from exposure to the harshness of our UVB rays, the ones responsible for sunburn. So sunscreen was prescribed for all individuals in any activity that took them outdoors and in the sun. Sunscreens are meant to prohibit the UVB’s penetration into the skin. Hence, lowering the risk of skin cancer, but also preventing vitamin D production.
Symptoms of low blood-level vitamin D can be vague, but there are 5 signs that can indicate there may be an issue. These 5 signs are:
- Fatigue and weakness
- General aches and pains
- Depression
- Pain in your bones
- Frequent infections
Benefits of vitamin D are connected with prevention of osteoporosis, lowering blood pressure, decreasing inflammation, and reducing the occurrence of cardiovascular disorders, type 2 diabetes, and depression. Vitamin D is also the key to your body absorbing calcium.
If you are at risk already for these conditions, and you have one of the signs above for low levels of vitamin D, it would be wise to visit your doctor and ask for a 25-hydroxyvitamin D blood test.
Written by: Ruby Moseley, FizzNiche Staff Writer