What's the Benefit of Vitamin D? Learn More about the "Sunshine Vitamin"
February 2012
Worldwide, it is estimated that one billion people have a vitamin D deficiency. Published data shows that in the United States alone, less than 25 percent of people have the minimal levels of vitamin D necessary for general health benefits.
Vitamin D is necessary to help the body absorb calcium. Insufficient levels of vitamin D can cause rickets in children and bone loss in adults, and lead to elevated risk for cardiovascular problems, autoimmune disorders and some infectious diseases. Because it is absorbed through sunlight, vitamin D is often called the "sunshine vitamin." In addition to sun avoidance, low vitamin D levels may be caused by:
- High amounts of melanin in the skin
- Reduced liver or kidney function
- Digestive disorders
- Diets that exclude animal-based products
- Obesity
For people who may have risk factors that could contribute to vitamin D deficiencies, regular testing is important.
- Learn more about vitamin D deficiencies: "Vitamin D: how much is enough, too much, or too little"?
- Read about Abbott's test to detect vitamin D levels
