VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY
What is Vitamin D insufficiency/ deficiency and how common is it?
As we have learnt, an adequate level of Vitamin D is important for our health. Doctors may measure our Vitamin D levels to check that we have enough of this nutrient. The three main categories based on measured Vitamin D levels are1:
Category
Vitamin D level (ng/mL)
Vitamin D level (nmol/L)
Vitamin D sufficiency
≥30
≥75
Vitamin D insufficiency (VDI)
20 to <30
50 to <75
Vitamin D deficiency (VDD)
<20
<50
Category
Vitamin D sufficiency
Vitamin D level (ng/mL)
≥30
Vitamin D level (nmol/L)
≥75
Category
Vitamin D insufficiency (VDI)
Vitamin D level (ng/mL)
20 to <30
Vitamin D level (nmol/L)
50 to <75
Category
Vitamin D deficiency (VDD)
Vitamin D level (ng/mL)
<20
Vitamin D level (nmol/L)
<50
Many of us do not get enough Vitamin D. About 1 billion people worldwide suffer from VDD and almost half of the world’s population have VDI.2
Across countries in Asia, anywhere from 45% to 98% of the population has VDD3 – even people in countries with plenty of sunshine year-round are not spared. For example, in tropical Singapore, almost 8 in 10 Singaporeans have inadequate Vitamin D levels, with many unaware of the health risks they face.4
VDD and VDI can affect children, adults, and the elderly.3 A lack of Vitamin D is particularly common in the elderly; in elderly patients hospitalized for any reason, approximately 90% were found to have VDI.5,6 This high rate is a concern as it puts them at risk of osteoporosis and brittle bones.5,7
Other symptoms that may present in individuals with suboptimal Vitamin D levels include a weakened immune system, aches, musculoskeletal problems, and impaired mood.7-9 These symptoms can often be misdiagnosed as age-related weakness, chronic fatigue, or even depression.8 If these symptoms persist or occur in individuals at risk for VDD, consult a doctor for Vitamin D testing, and supplement your Vitamin D intakes as necessary.
References
1) Holick MF, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2011;96:1911-1930.
2) Nair R, Maseeh A. J Pharmacol Pharmacother 2012;3:118-26.
3) Hossein-nezhad A, Holick MF. Mayo Clin Proc 2013;88:720-755.
4) Man REK, et al. Nutrients. 2017;9:313.
5) Ramason R, et al. Geriatr Orthop Surg Rehabil 2014;5:82-86.
6) Neo JJ, Kong KH. Rehabil Res Pract. 2016;2016:9689760.
7) National Institute of Health. Vitamin D Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Available at:
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/. Accessed 30 June 2021.
8) Kennel KA, et al. Mayo Clin Proc 2010;85:752-757.
9) Lansdowne ATG, Provost SC. Psychopharma 1998;135:319-323.
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