How do I find out if I am D3 deficient?
More Australians are becoming D3 deficient.
As Australians, our main source of vitamin D3 comes from sunlight exposure.[2] Despite the fact that we live in a sunburnt country, vitamin D3 deficiency is becoming a significant problem. [2] Increasingly, we are becoming aware that many Australians are not receiving adequate vitamin D from casual sunlight exposure.[2] The popularity of indoor leisure activities as well as the highly promoted Slip! Slop! Slap! public health campaign are some of the factors influencing our sunlight exposure and hence, our vitamin D3 levels.
Vitamin D3 deficiency is implicated in many chronic diseases.
Vitamin D3 deficiency is associated with many chronic diseases such as heart disease. Vitamin D3 deficiency does not always present itself as an illness and you may feel well despite being D3 deficient.
Who could be at risk of vitamin D3 deficiency?
How can you find out if you are getting enough vitamin D3 or if your levels are low?
If you answer "Yes" to any of the questions below, then you may be at risk of vitamin D deficiency.
- Do you spend less than 15 minutes on summer days and less than 1 hour on winter days exposing at least 25% of your skin to the sun?
- Are you over 50 years old?
- Do you use sun protection such as sunscreens, hats, long shirts and pants most of the time?
- Do you spend most days inside? This includes driving around in cars, trucks, etc., as windows block the UVB rays required for vitamin D3 synthesis in the skin.
- Do you naturally have very dark skin?
- Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Do you suffer from Crohn’s disease, coeliac disease or any malabsorptive conditions?
- Are you currently taking cholesterol-lowering drugs?
- Are you on epilepsy medication?
- Are you overweight/obese?
Note: If you think that you may be vitamin D3 deficient, talk to your healthcare professional for further health advice.
