VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY

By Joseph Hazan,M.D.,FACOG

Vitamin D is essential in bone repair and

maintenance. Vitamin D is instrumental

in calcium absorption.

In cases of  vitamin D deficiency

osteoporosis is seen.

50% of adults are vitamin D deficient.

Further, many adults who have the

following factors are at higher than

average risk of vitamin D deficiency:

1) Inadequate vitamin D intake

2) Dark complexion

3) Poor absorption due to bowel,

liver or kidney problems.

4) The elderly have lower intake at a

time of increased need.

Insufficient absorption and inadequate

intake are also factors for the elderly.

 Vitamin D levels can be measured.

The average intake requirement of vitamin D

by supplementation is 1000-5000 IU

for optimal health.

Higher doses are needed in cases of more

pronounced deficiency.