Vitamin D deficiency

We know that vitamin D is essential for bone and muscle health. Moderate to severe vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets (soft bones) in infants and children. In adults over the age of 50, low vitamin D levels can lead to osteoporosis (brittle bones) and increase the risk of falls and fractures (broken bones). Many health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and some cancers, have been linked to low vitamin D levels, but whether low levels of vitamin D cause these conditions is unclear. The benefits of increasing vitamin D intake for these health problems — through sun exposure, diet or supplements — are unknown.

To read more about why you need vitamin D, how to get it and testing, download the NPS MedicineWise Fact Sheet at the following link:

http://www.nps.org.au/health-professionals/for-your-patients/resources/vitamin-d-tests-and-deficiency

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