Vitamin D deficiency is more common than you would think.

Most of us seem to think that if we have enough sun exposure than we cannot lack vitamin D. I live in the French Riviera and spend a lot of time outdoors. I also have a very balanced diet and generally enjoy good health. So imagine how surprised I was to find out from my latest blood test that my D level was 26 (whereas traditionally under 30 is considered below the recommended). A few days later we found out that my lovely wife’s level is 22. Like myself, her general health is very good, lives a healthy lifestyle and spends (probably too much) time under the French Riviera sun.

So what is going on??

First let me briefly explain why I’m concerned. For more in depth information please read this article which I wrote some time ago.

Vitamin D deficiency (traditional doctors claim 30 is ‘normal’ whereas more clued-up medical practitioners say that you should aim at 50-70) is linked amongst other things to cognitive decline, heart and neurodegenerative disease. Research reveals that vitamin D protects against neuron damage and loss. Lack of vitamin D can also lead to depression (SAD syndrome). We all know how mood lifting the sun can be. If you have a darker complexion you are more likely to lack vitamin D. In fact black and brown people (African and Indian origin) are more prone to Vitamin D deficiency. Because vitamin D is fat soluble, the same goes for people with higher weight or greater muscle mass. Effectively your body acts like a ‘reservoir for collecting vitamin D. That means that if you are suffering from a gastrointestinal problem it will inhibit the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. But that still doesn’t explain why my wife and I are low in vitamin D.

So whilst scratching our heads and trying to figure out what is the reason for the drop in level we both started taking vitamin D supplements. In fact 6000 UI daily. But this should not be a generic bench mark.

If you think you too might be deficient have your blood tested and if found deficient consult your healthcare practitioner what is the best method to remedy that suits you.

I highly recommend combining vitamin D with vitamin K2, you can read more about this here.

If you found this informative, please share and if you have any specific questions… you know where to find me.