Vitamin D: why get tested at the start of the summer

Over the years I have seen the same vitamin D deficiency results at the end of a Dubai summer, as I would expect at the end of a Scottish winter. People in northern Europe don’t get sunshine during the winter, people in the UAE get so much that they rarely venture outside. The result is the same, vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin D has a receptor in nearly, if not, every cell in the body. This means that it has an impact on every function we undertake. It is well documented its impact on musculoskeletal health (osteoporosis) but also immunity, energy production and mental health. In short, its influence cannot be understated.

This is why I’m concerned about the test results we see coming through at the end of a UAE winter, when they should be at their best. We see many who are deficient and certainly nowhere near what we consider to be an ‘optimum level’. During the winter, when temperatures are more comfortable, we should be building up vitamin D stores, ready for the hot summer. If stores are low at the end of winter, then they are only going to drop further during the summer.

Getting tested for vitamin D at this time is, in my opinion, essential for your wellbeing. The best thing is this is easily resolved. Either through supplementation, injection, or simply having a good plan to build up your stores.

Test, address the deficiency, fill up your stores, enjoy the sun when you can.

Common issues related to vitamin D deficiency:

• Poor immunity. Vitamin D deficiency is directly linked to poor outcomes of COVID infection and seasonal flu for example.
• Muscle weakness (lower back ache for example).
• Depression and feeling sad.
• Poor sleep.
• Bone pain.

The good news is that Valeo can support you through this with convenient, cost-effective solutions and advice. Book your test today!