New Study: The poorer population of Dublin are critically low in Vitamin D – TheLiberal.ie – Our News, Your Views

New Study: The poorer population of Dublin are critically low in Vitamin D




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It has been discovered that people in the Dublin 8 and Lucan areas that live below the poverty line are not receiving enough Vitamin D.

Research has shown that young people and adults aged 18 – 50 have significantly lower levels of the sunshine vitamin, in contrast to more elderly residents. It has also been shown that women have 25% higher concentration levels of Vitamin D than men.

The study was carried out by Trinity College and St James’s Hospital by utilising data collected from over 5000 subjects. It was found that 1 in 8 people are deficient in the vitamin, putting their health at risk.

The most impoverished areas of Dublin have been worst affected, as the cost of foods rich in Vitamin D plays a part, as do lifestyles, ethnic differences and diet.

Vitamin D is essential for fending off heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple other illnesses that target bones in particular. It is absorbed and produced from ultraviolet rays from the sun, and found in foods such as milk and oily fish.

These findings contradict the popular notion that elderly people are more prone to Vitamin D deficiency. The report was cited as “alarming” due to the increase in chronic health problems that a lack of Vitamin D can cause, especially among young people and children.

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