The results suggest that vitamin D deficiency is also common in the general population.
Vitamin D is essential to healthy teeth and bones and it helps the body absorb and use calcium.
Sun exposure stimulates vitamin D production in the body, though fortified milk and other dairy products are the main source of the vitamin in food. Vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of broken bones, particularly in the elderly. Those patients were younger and without chronic illnesses, Thomas told Reuters. The high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency tells us that vitamin D deficiency is probably a substantial problem in the general population. Thomas explained that the Institute of Medicine now recommends higher intake of vitamin D than the previous recommended daily allowance.