Private MD News

Consumption of foods containing vitamin D drops

Category: Vitamin D Deficiency-Diagnosis and Treatment

Many individuals these days may benefit from talking to their doctor about vitamin D testing, as new research suggests that the average intake of the nutrient from food sources has declined dramatically over the past three decades.

A team of researchers from the University of Minnesota reviewed survey data collected between 1980 and 2009. The results showed that the average consumption of vitamin D from food sources declined by 15 percent over this time period.

The researchers said their findings may help explain why so many people are receiving vitamin D test results that indicate they have deficient levels of the nutrient these days. Numerous studies have shown that the prevalence of low deficiencies have grown tremendously in recent years.

This could have troubling consequences, as vitamin D deficiency has been connected to a range of health problems, including skeletal dysfunctions, poor immune health and even an increased risk of certain cancers.

Vitamin D is primarily found in fish and mushrooms, but is also added to milk, orange juice and some other products.