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We Asked a Health Expert Why So Many Women Are Vitamin D Deficient
Verywell Health • • health
Key Points:
- Women are more susceptible to vitamin D deficiency due to hormonal fluctuations, especially decreased estrogen levels during menopause, which reduces vitamin D activation and calcium absorption, leading to bone loss.
- Increased vitamin D needs during pregnancy and breastfeeding, higher rates of osteoporosis, and higher body fat percentages in women also contribute to lower available vitamin D levels.
- Lifestyle factors such as spending more time indoors, sunscreen use, and clothing choices that limit sun exposure further reduce vitamin D production in women.
- Women are encouraged to discuss vitamin D screening with healthcare providers, as it is not typically included in standard blood tests but is important given their higher risk of deficiency.
- To maintain adequate vitamin D levels, experts recommend safe sun exposure, consuming vitamin D-rich or
