The current research suggests that 75% of office workers have low vitamin D, and some studies even as high as 91%.
This lack of exposure to natural sunlight, particularly during standard working hours, limits the body’s ability to produce sufficient vitamin D, which is primarily synthesized in response to UVB rays from sunlight.
And importantly, the sunlight that comes through the window doesn’t help your body produce vitamin D.
With winter coming we spend even less time outside, meaning that it is more than likely worth taking a vitamin D supplement for those of us in the northern hemisphere.
Interestingly a study from last year from University of Eastern Finland showed that taking vitamin D supplements at higher-than-recommended doses over five years reduced the risk of atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder that affects many sedentary office workers.
Another significant study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, part of the large-scale VITAL trial, found that daily vitamin D supplementation (2000 IU) reduced the rate of autoimmune diseases by 22% among older adults.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Office of Dietary Supplements both highlight vitamin D as a nutrient of concern for American adults, especially those with limited sun exposure during their workday and even more so during winter. Making it vital that you pay attention to your vitamin D levels over the coming months.
References:
- University of Eastern Finland study on atrial fibrillation
- Brigham and Women’s VITAL study on autoimmune disease risk
- CDC Vitamin D Factsheet