There are several factors that can increase a person’s risk of disease vitamin d deficiency. These include:
Limited sun exposure: The skin produces vitamin D when it is exposed to sunlight, so people who live in areas with limited sunlight or who spend most of their time indoors are at increased risk of deficiency(why vitamin d is low).
Dark skin: Melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, reduces the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D in response to sunlight. People with darker skin may require longer sun exposure to produce adequate levels of vitamin D.
Obesity: Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means that it is stored in fat tissue. People who are obese may require higher doses of vitamin D to maintain adequate levels(why vitamin d is low).
Age: As people age, their skin becomes less efficient at producing vitamin D. Additionally, older adults are more likely to have medical conditions or take medications that can interfere with vitamin D absorption.
Dietary factors: People who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, have lactose intolerance, or have a milk allergy may be at increased risk of disease vitamin d deficiency(why vitamin d is low).
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and kidney disease, can interfere with vitamin D absorption or metabolism, increasing the risk of deficiency.
Medications: Certain medications, such as anticonvulsants, glucocorticoids, and some HIV medications, can interfere with vitamin D absorption or metabolism(why vitamin d is low).
If you are at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency, talk to your healthcare provider about testing your vitamin D levels and potentially taking vitamin D supplements.