Vitamin D deficiency

The Smart Woman’s Medical Guide is produced with the assistance of NPS MedicineWise.

Although most of us do get sufficient Vitamin D from sun and small amounts from dietary sources, the number of people with a Vitamin D deficiency is reported to have risen in Australia in recent years. Another concern is that this condition has been linked to various types of cancers (particularly colon cancer), heart disease, stroke, altered immunity and auto-immune diseases; however, more research is needed to confirm this.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Normally, there are no obvious signs or symptoms of vitamin D deficiency. However, being vitamin D deficient can increase your risk of bone and muscle pain, and of developing soft bones, known as osteomalacia and rickets (in children). Low vitamin D also contributes to osteoporosis.

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DIAGNOSIS

Here in Australia, most of us are likely to have adequate vitamin D levels. However, if you think you may be vitamin D deficient, a simple blood test can detect this. Your GP can organise this for you.
There are also some groups of people who are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency. If you fit into any of the following categories, you may be at increased risk:

• People who are housebound, particularly those over 65 years or resident in aged care facilities
• People with naturally dark skin
• People who cover themselves for religious or cultural reasons
Others who may be at risk include people who:
• use medicines that interfere with vitamin D metabolism
• have malabsorption syndromes
• have limited access to sunlight because of a chronic illness or disability or because of working conditions such as shift work
• avoid the sun as they are at increased risk of skin cancers
• are obese

TREATMENT

Normal day-to-day, outdoor activities should ensure that you get adequate vitamin D. In summer, 10-minute walks outside in mid-morning or mid-afternoon on most days, should be enough for people with moderately fair skin (as long as your hands, face and arms are exposed). In winter, though, you may need longer periods of exposure, particularly if you live in one of the southern states (e.g. 15 minutes at lunchtime in Sydney or 30 minutes at lunchtime in Hobart). People with darker skin are likely to need longer exposures in winter and summer.

You should use sun protection if you’ll be in the sun for an extended period of time, and avoid unprotected exposure in summer between 10 am and 2 pm (11 am and 3 pm during daylight saving). Not only does prolonged sun exposure increase your risk of skin cancer, staying in the sun for too long actually degrades the vitamin D produced in the skin.

Vitamin D deficiency can also be treated with dietary supplements. Most are available over the counter and contain colecalciferol – the active ingredient in Vitamin D.

Other treatments include short periods of sun exposure, increased physical activity and increased dietary calcium intake.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & INFORMATION

- Better Health Channel: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Vitamin_D

The Smart Woman’s Medical Guide is produced with the assistance of NPS MedicineWise.
Independent, not-for-profit and evidence based, NPS MedicineWise enables better decisions about medicines and medical tests.
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, NPS helps health professionals keep up to date with the latest evidence and provides individuals with the tools and knowledge to make better decisions.
To find out more visit nps.org.au

Disclaimer: Medical information provided on this website is not intended as a substitute for advice from a registered physician or other healthcare professional.

Last updated June 26 2011