New Vitamin D 1000IU from Caltrate a trusted leader in bone health

Who is at Risk of Vitamin D Deficiency

Surprisingly, even in sunny Australia Vitamin D insufficiency is common.

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with reduced bone density, high bone turnover and increased risk of hip fracture in older people^1,3.

There are a number of groups who are at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency:

• The elderly, who have a reduced capacity to produce vitamin D;
• Those in residential care or indoor workers, who have limited sun exposure;
• Those with skin conditions where avoidance of sunlight is recommended;
• Those who avoid exposure to sunlight for cultural reasons, such as veiled women;
• Those with dark skin.

With constant warnings about avoiding excessive exposure to sunlight and the risks associated, many people are not getting the necessary sunlight required to produce vitamin D.

To get enough sunlight to produce vitamin D, a person needs to expose their hands, face and arms (around 15% of body surface) to sunlight for about 6 - 8 minutes, 4 - 6 times per week².

As you age, your skin becomes less efficient at producing vitamin D. Older people need exposure to sunlight 5-6 times a week². Dark skinned people need longer exposure times of around 15 minutes².