Vitamin D deficiency appears to be the new deficiency we are all talking about.  It is now very common to come away from a GP checkup with this diagnosis.

Vitamin D is essential for the body's hormone activity, for calcium and phosphorous absorption, bone formation, nerve function, muscle function.  It is vital for immune regulation of T-cells (the cells that fight viruses and bacteria!).

So why is vitamin D deficiency so common?

Vitamin D is generally low in foods, so it is not caused by diet. We are supposed to have excess amounts of UV from the sun these days. UV light is converted to vitamin D in special cells just under our skin.  This is the premium source of vitamin D that our body uses.

The answer is that it is due to a number of reasons.

The first reason being that GPs have only recently started screening for vitamin D in routine blood tests.  Vitamin D deficiency has probably been around a lot longer for a large percentage of the population than first realised.  There no obvious signs and symptoms, only a blood test can fully determine the deficiency. 

Secondly, during the warmer months we are drilled to cover up from UV light to prevent skin cancer.  Then we hit a Melbourne winter, and due to the low angle of the sun's UV rays, we barely get enough light to convert any UV to vitamin D in our bodies.

Lastly, the over the counter vitamin D supplements that most people are given to prevent the deficiency are often low in bioavailable vitamin D, as vitamin D is difficult to stabilise in capsule form.

So how do you prevent vitamin D deficiency?

During summer be 'sun smart', not sun afraid. See the Cancer Council's guidlines for healthy sun exposure at: http://www.cancervic.org.au/preventing-cancer/be-sunsmart   

During winter, ditch the sunscreen (even in face moisturisers ladies), roll up your sleeves on those beautiful sunny days and get out in it! Avoid cheap vitamin D supplements. They are usually too good to be true. Look for practitioner brands as they use proper stabilsers in their manufacturing of vitamin D capsules.  I highly recommend Nutrition Care and DVPI vitamin D formulas best.

For the Kids:

It is vital that kids get enough vitamin D, especially in winter to help prevent and overcome viral and bacterial infections.  I use and recommend good old fashioned cod liver oil for natural supplementation.  It is rich in vitamin D, also in vitamin A, and is packed with essential omega 3 as well. 

Phytocare and Nordic Naturals both make pleasant fruit flavoured liquid cod liver oils, that have no artificial ingredients, and are pure grade oils with zero heavy metals.

If you would like to read more of Merran Wood's blogs visit www.onelifenaturalhealth.com.au