Study Shows That Vitamin D Deficiency Is Most Prevalent in Women In Their 50s

The number of patients diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency climbed from 3,118 in 2010 to 31,225 in 2014, the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRAS) reported Thursday.

Vitamin D deficiency is also reportedly more prevalent in women, which make up 74 percent or 23,200 of the total number of patients in 2014. More specifically, women in their 50s were seen to be the most vulnerable group, accounting to 24.1 percent of the number of women with the deficiency. The Chosunlibo reported. 18.5 percent of women in their 40s suffered vitamin D deficiency while those in their 60s accounted for 13.8 percent of the total.

Men, on the other hand, registered 8,005 patients, which is equivalent to 25.6 percent.

Vitamin D regulates more than 200 genes throughout the body. It plays a big role in preventing abnormal cells from multiplying in both breast and colon tissues. Medical experts have proved that the vitamin D hormone also helps regulate blood pressure in the kidney and the blood sugar levels in the pancreas.

According to Johns Hopkins, vitamin D deficiency is reported common among women because they have more body fat than men. Women also spend more time indoors than men and wear hats as well as sunscreen more often than men.

A leading vitamin D researcher, Dr. Michael Holick, said that lack of vitamin D causes bodily pains and fatigue. It also stunts growth and cause abnormal changes in bones and joints.

Additionally, vitamin D deficiency is reportedly connected to cardiovascular diseases.

Studies suggest that people should spend more time outdoors to get more exposure to sunlight which is an excellent source of vitamin D. Those diagnosed with the deficiency should also eat food rich in vitamin D, such as milk, egg yolk and butter.

Oh Seung Jun from HIRAS said, "There is a limit to how much vitamin D you can take in via food, so it is essential to go out and get some sunshine."