Living in the Sunshine State is great for everything from year-round golf to year-round beach activities, and thousands of snowbirds flock to Florida each winter for fun in the sun.
The advantages of living in Florida are plentiful, but there is one disadvantage to which health-conscious Floridians should pay attention: Floridians are at risk for certain vitamin deficiencies.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D is naturally produced in our bodies when our skin is directly exposed to the sun’s UVB (ultraviolet B) rays. According to the Vitamin D Council, “in the southern United States, in places like Florida, your body can produce vitamin D most of the year.”
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, adults between the ages of 19 and 70 need at least 600 IU of vitamin D, and those aged 71 and over should get at least 800 IU. This vitamin is essential in the function of your bones, muscles, nerves, and immunity.
It’s best for the body to get most of its vitamin D from foods, such as salmon, liver, tuna, mackerel, cheese, and egg yolks. Many foods are fortified with vitamin D, such as milk, orange juice, and cereals.
Although sun exposure without sunscreen for 10 minutes can help the body produce more than 1,000 IU of vitamin D, this isn’t recommended since it can contribute to skin cancer.
Calcium Deficiency
Like vitamin D, calcium is necessary to maintain healthy bones, muscles, and nerve function. Low calcium might result in diseases like osteoporosis, which causes brittle bones and fragility. The culture in Florida isn’t as focused on drinking milk as it is in northern states, so low calcium levels tend to be a common health issue.
The NIH recommends adult men between the ages of 19 and 70 get at least 1,000 mg of calcium per day. Adult women should also consume this amount until they’re age 51 or over when the NIH recommends women start consuming at least 1,200 mg every day.
Floridians are especially susceptible to calcium deficiency because there is a direct correlation between vitamin D deficiency and a lack of calcium. Vitamin D is essential to calcium absorption in the body.
Important Vitamins and Minerals for the Body
Calcium and vitamin D are the two most common vitamins that are lacking in people living in Florida, but they may also be at risk of having the following deficiencies:
- Vitamin B-12
- Iron
- Iodine
- Vitamin A
- Magnesium
How Can I Find Out if I’m Deficient in Vitamins?
Living in Florida and receiving inadequate amounts of vitamin D, calcium, and other vitamins and minerals could result in serious health consequences. If you’d like to find out whether you’re deficient in these essential nutrients and how to get on the road to a healthier body, call the Advanced Medical Clinic today at (561) 434-1935 to schedule an appointment.
You can also fill out our easy-to-use online appointment request form today. Our skilled and caring health professionals at the Advanced Medical Center can explain your options to combat deficiency and help you feel better and more healthy.
