Hipovitaminosis D By Lack Of Sun Exposure Due To Lifestyles

Vitamin D is both a vitamin and a hormone. It's a vitamin because the human body can’t absorb Calcium without it, is a hormone that the body produces in response to exposure to sunlight. There are two main forms of Vitamin D and both have the word in their names Calciferol. In Latin, Calciferol means "Calcium carrier". In other words, Vitamin D is like a car that transports calcium into the bones.

Vitamin D is obtained from the diet; is produced by the skin cells when stimulated by ultraviolet light from the sun. Then the vitamin D is metabolized in the liver, where it produces its active form, performing cell functions. Traditionally, vitamin D was considered important in conditions associated with the skeleton, mainly in the control or balance of calcium and phosphorus. However, recent research in this vitamin, have shown that this works across multiple systems and has great impact on human health. The data indicates that the lack of vitamin D increases the risk of cardiac complications, diabetes, neurological damage and even cancer in the population.

This study used data from two sources: first, research data sent by the author, Dr. Suarez Edu. In this research study a sample of Puerto Rican 4.090, 83% female and 17% male. In it was found that 69% of people had low levels of vitamin D and that the most affected group was the group of 18-39 years, possibly due to deficiencies in diet or low sun exposure. Within the group of normal levels, it was observed that 25% of these were aged 60 or more, throwing the suspicion that this group is more aware and take vitamins.

The other segment of data came from a survey with purpose of trying to find a relationship between people whose lifestyle keeps them away from the sun and if they had some of the conditions previously studied. The 48% of respondents indicated that they avoid the sun while they can. The data was filtered to see some of the illnesses related to Hipovitaminosis D for the people who avoid sun and for those who do not avoid the sun.

Obesity leads the percentages with 15% of all respondents, the High Pressure 10%, bone problems 9%, heart 8%, 6% Depression, 4% Diabetes and Thyroid, and 3% Attention Deficit. Meanwhile, for those who do not avoid the sun, the percentages were much lower.

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