Insufficient vitamin D levels ‘affect almost one billion people’

Nearly one billion people worldwide may have deficient or insufficient levels of vitamin D, according to new research.

The Touro University study indicated that this is partly to do with people spending less time outdoors, while the growing use of sun cream may be contributing to this problem, as the substance neuters the body's ability to produce vitamin D.

It also indicated that the prevalence of certain chronic diseases is also driving this problem, as conditions such as type 2 diabetes and malabsorption-related ailments including kidney disease, Crohn's and coeliac disease can inhibit the body's ability to metabolise vitamin D from food sources.

As such, it was recommended that spending five to 30 minutes in the midday sun twice per week might help to address this. Forgoing sunscreen during these sessions is essential, because cream with an SPF of 15 or greater decreases vitamin D3 production by 99 percent.

Kim Pfotenhauer, an assistant professor at Touro University, said: "While we want people to protect themselves against skin cancer, there are healthy, moderate levels of unprotected sun exposure that can be very helpful in boosting vitamin D."

Food sources such as milk, breakfast cereals and Portobello mushrooms can also be helpful in this regard.

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