The Linus Pauling Institute reports that the Recommended Dietary Intake for adults is 600 IU of vitamin D for all people between the ages of 10 to 70 years with older men and women requiring about 800 IU of the vitamin daily. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient that is essential for calcium metabolism and helps maintain healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin D also promotes insulin production, blood pressure regulation and immune system function in both men and women. Several male attributes such as virility, athletic performance, hair growth and muscle strength are also affected by vitamin D deficiency.
Lack of Sun Exposure
The human body has the ability to synthesize vitamin D3, a form of vitamin D, when exposed to UVB radiations present in the sunlight. However, today's indoor lifestyles and increased use of sunblock lotions due to the fear of skin cancer is leading to reduced synthesis of vitamin D3 in most men. Men living in regions with prolonged winters are more prone to vitamin D deficiency along with dark skinned men whose skin, according to Linus Pauling Institute, cannot synthesize vitamin D as efficiently as light skinned men.
Poor Dietary Intake
Men who do not get sufficient sun exposure should get vitamin D from diet. MedlinePlus recommends the inclusion of foods such as milk, milk products, fish, oysters, and fortified cereals in the diet to obtain vitamin D. Strict vegetarian and vegan men often develop vitamin D deficiencies and should consider taking synthetic supplements after consulting their physician.
Age
A study published in the April 2009 edition of "The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism" has indicated that vitamin D deficiency is more common in older men. When other factors such as obesity, lack of sun exposure and lack of exercise are added to old age, the incidence of vitamin D deficiency increases further.
Medications
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, certain medications such as antacids, rifampin, anti-seizure medications including phenobarbital and phenytoin, and bile acid sequestrants such as cholestyramine and cholestipol may lead to vitamin D deficiency. Individuals taking these medications should therefore talk to their doctors about including vitamin D supplements in their daily routine.
Malabsorption
The Linus Pauling Institute also states that patients with inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's syndrome and those with certain fat malabsorption syndromes such as cholestatic liver may not be able to absorb vitamin D efficiently, in spite of sufficient dietary intake. It is important for these patients to be aware of the possible vitamin D deficiency risk and take appropriate corrective measures after talking to their doctors.
Smoking
Several studies, such as the one published in the November 2008 edition of "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention," have suggested that cigarette smoking can lead to vitamin D deficiency in men, thereby increasing the risk of heart disease and some cancers.
References
- Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin D
- MedlinePlus: Vitamin D
- "The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism"; Vitamin D Deficiency in Older Men; Orwoll E. et al; April 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin D
- "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention"; Vitamin D Status and the Risk of Lung Cancer: A Cohort Study in Finland; Kilkkinen A. et al.; November 2008
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