Groups at Risk for Vitamin D Insufficiency

 

Some people don’t get enough vitamin D, even though it’s important for healthy bones and the body. Here are some groups who are most likely to need extra help to get enough vitamin D:

1. Breastfed Babies

• Breast milk doesn’t give babies enough vitamin D.
• Moms who take vitamin D supplements can give more vitamin D through their milk.
• Babies under 6 months shouldn’t be in direct sunlight. If they go outside, they should wear hats and clothes that cover their skin.
• Doctors recommend that all breastfed babies take 400 IU (10 mcg) of vitamin D every day until they drink enough formula or milk that has vitamin D added.

2. Older Adults

• As people get older, their skin makes less vitamin D from sunlight.
• Older adults often stay indoors more and might not eat enough vitamin D-rich foods.

3. People Who Get Little Sunlight

• People who stay indoors, wear clothes that cover most of their skin, or work inside all day may not get enough sunlight to make vitamin D.
• Sunscreen also blocks vitamin D, but it’s not clear how much this affects vitamin D levels.

4. People with Dark Skin

• Dark skin has more melanin, which makes it harder to make vitamin D from sunlight.
• It’s not clear if this causes health problems, but dark-skinned people often have lower vitamin D levels.

5. People with Fat Absorption Problems

• Some diseases (like celiac, Crohn’s, and cystic fibrosis) make it hard for the body to absorb fat—and vitamin D needs fat to be absorbed.
• These people may need vitamin D supplements.

6. People with Obesity or Weight Loss Surgery

• People with obesity often have lower vitamin D levels because vitamin D gets trapped in fat.
• They may need more vitamin D than other people.
• People who have had weight loss (bariatric) surgery may also have trouble absorbing vitamin D and need supplements.
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