Why is Vitamin D important?

Vitamin D is fundamental for healthy bones, muscles, mood and overall wellbeing. It is particularly important in maintaining calcium levels in the body as calcium absorption is reliant upon sufficient activated vitamin D levels.  A deficiency in Vitamin D can result in:

• Bone and joint pain
• Osteoporosis
• Increased risk of falls and bone fractures
• Defects in bone formation of unborn children in pregnant women with vitamin D deficiency
• Fatigue, mood imbalance and depression

 Vitamin D also plays a key role in immune function, and deficiency is associated with an increased risk of infection.  Vitamin D may even have some effect on the prevention of autoimmune diseases.

In the current climate of Covid-19, some researchers have hypothesized that the disparate rates of infection and mortality between the Northern  (Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark) and Southern European countries  ( Spain, France, Italy) may have something to do with varying Vitamin D levels that are paradoxically higher in the less sunny Northern European countries where food fortification and supplementation is common place.

Where does Vitamin D come from?

Most of our vitamin D is synthesized naturally in our skin, when exposed to Ultraviolet B light from the sun.  This form of vitamin D is then converted into its active form through processes involving the liver and kidneys. Smaller amounts of Vitamin D are derived from the foods we eat such as fish, eggs, some margarines and milk.

Given that most vitamin D production occurs from exposure to sunlight, it is no surprise that during the winter months, approximately 30% of Victorians are vitamin D deficient. As a consequence of home isolation, rates of Vitamin D deficiency may in fact be higher this year.