Vitamin D Deficiency Risk Factors and Clinical Implications

Primary Risk Factors

Inadequate sun exposure, particularly in individuals living at high latitudes, during winter season, or with physical sun avoidance, can significantly impact bone health and increase risk for chronic diseases 1, 3
Decreased dietary vitamin D intake, due to limited consumption of vitamin D-rich foods, can contribute to deficiency 1
Impaired vitamin D absorption, resulting from medical conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, malabsorptive conditions, or history of gastric bypass surgery, can increase risk of deficiency 2

Darker skin pigmentation, such as in African Americans and Hispanics, reduces vitamin D synthesis and increases prevalence of low vitamin D levels 3, 5
Older age is associated with decreased skin synthesis capacity and increased risk of deficiency 2
Obesity allows for greater sequestration of vitamin D into adipose tissue, increasing risk of deficiency 3, 5

Severe vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone mineralization diseases, including rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults 2
Moderate deficiency may be associated with muscle fatigue, weakness, and increased risk for falls, especially in elderly 4
Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent, with approximately 33% of the U.S. population having 25-(OH)D levels ≤ 20 ng/mL (2001-2006) 2, 4