Vitamin D plays an important role in your overall health. It supports your bones, muscles, and immune system. Normally, our bodies produce vitamin D through sunlight exposure on the skin. It can also be found in certain foods, such as oily fish, eggs, and fortified products. Still, many people don’t get enough of it.
Vitamin D deficiency
When your body doesn't get enough of it
How does a deficiency develop?
In the Netherlands, about one in three people has a vitamin D deficiency. This is partly because there isn’t enough sunlight during the winter months, but also because some groups are less able to produce or absorb vitamin D. This includes young children, older adults, people with darker skin tones, and those who spend little time outdoors.
Signas to watch for
A deficiency isn’t always immediately noticeable. However, certain symptoms can appear that affect your daily life, such as:
- Fatigue or a feeling of weakness
- Muscle weakness or pain in bones and joints
- Frequent colds or reduced immunity
A long-term deficiency can also lead to bone loss (osteoporosis) or weakened bones.
What can you do?
If you suspect you may have a deficiency, discuss it with your GP. Spending more time outdoors and paying attention to your diet can help. In other cases, your doctor or pharmacist may recommend extra vitamin D, either as supplements or prescribed medication.
Our commitment
At Goodlife, we believe that everyone should have access to solutions that improve daily life. That’s why we work together with healthcare professionals to make therapies available that help prevent and treat vitamin D deficiency.