Vitamin D levels 'low across the world'
People across the world have low levels of vitamin D, researchers have claimed in the journal Osteoporosis International.
The new study was carried out by scientists at the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF).
A deficiency of vitamin D is known as hypovitaminosis D and results in weak bones and other health problems. The vitamin is produced in the body through exposure to sunlight.
"Vitamin D status has been linked to the pathogenesis of hip fractures as well as other skeletal and non-skeletal disorders," the researchers explained.
"The purpose of this review is to provide a global perspective of vitamin D status across different regions of the world and to identify the common and significant determinants of hypovitaminosis D."
Published literature on vitamin D intake across the world was reviewed by the study authors, who are part of the IOF's working group on nutrition.
Analysis of the data suggested that there are differences in what is thought to be the optimum level of vitamin D.
"The definition of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency vary between studies," the research team stated.
Lower levels were found to be associated with older age, darker skin, being female, living in a higher latitude and during the winter season.
The researchers concluded that "reports from across the world indicate that hypovitaminosis D is widespread and is re-emerging as a major health problem globally".
The Arthritis Research Campaign is currently funding two major clinical trials into the effects of Vitamin D in osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
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