Levels of vitamin D have decreased across the U.S. population in recent years, but the shortage is likely most serious among African-Americans, Latino-Americans and other members of ethnic populations with relatively darker skin tones.
The recent study by Adit Ginde, an assistant professor at the University of Colorado-Denver Medical School, speculated that the generally lower levels of vitamin D in recent year might stem from more individuals avoiding exposure to the sun out of fears of skin cancer.
Vitamin D can be produced by the human body through exposure to the ultraviolet rays of sunshine, however, and shortages of the stuff are linked to various bone problems, including osteoporosis and rickets, according to the medical research. Many medical professionals also believe that vitamin D plays a role in keeping hearts and immune systems healthy.
Ginde surveyed more than 18,000 individuals for the recent study, including members of various ethic populations. She said that the skin pigment melanin — which is generally more abundant in darker-skinned individuals — can block a portion of the ultraviolet rays in sunshine. She added that European-Americans with lighter skin tones can generally get a significant increase in their levels of vitamin D by spending 10 or 15 minutes in the sun. Darker-skinned individuals typically must spend an hour or so to get an equivalent boost.
Anyone who doesn't care to spend a lot of time in the sun isn't out of options, though. Fortified milk, fatty fish, and dietary supplements can all boost levels of vitamin D.
Sam Hassan is a writer for the L.A. Garment & Citizen.
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