Why is there a lack of vitamin D in the body despite the abundant sunshine?

Brazil is a sunny country, with the sun shining for many hours throughout the day. But the Brazilian population has vitamin D levels similar to those in European countries where sun exposure is lower.

A study coordinated by Fiocruz Bahia revealed that half of the Brazilian population has insufficient levels of vitamin D.

These rates are very similar to those of people living in Europe who have fewer periods of sunshine and less exposure to the sun.

And the curious thing is that the research revealed that this happens all over the country, whether in a hot capital like Salvador, for example, where 47.6% of residents have low vitamin D levels, or in a colder city like Curitiba where the rate is 52.1%.

And why is that?

The doctor cardiologist Egle Costa Oppi, medical executive manager at Biolab Farmacêutica, explains what vitamin D is, its importance in the body, and the relationship between this hormone and sun exposure.

Even in a tropical country, vitamin D levels are low because we have to wear sun protection, because clothing is a barrier to absorption and because many people live and work in confined environments.

Even children spend more time indoors.

The recommendation is to consult a doctor to carry out tests, set the dosage and replenish vitamin D with supplements.

Listen to the full interview: Why is there a lack of vitamin D in the body despite the abundant sunshine?