TOKYO — Blood tests of people undergoing health checkups in Japan’s capital found 98% to be vitamin D deficient, according to a recently published study.
A team of experts from the Jikei University School of Medicine conducted a survey of 5,518 people in their 20s to 90s from April 2019 to March 2020. The team measured and analyzed the levels of vitamin D in blood samples of people undergoing treatment. Health checkup in Tokyo. Levels below 30 nanograms per milliliter are thought to increase the risk of problems such as osteoporosis and heart attacks.
The results showed that 97.8% of the subjects were deficient, with 78.5% at even greater “deficiency” levels of less than 20 nanograms per milliliter. Overall average he was 15.5 nanograms/ml.
Vitamin D is essential for bone development and mineral metabolism. Sae Ochi, a professor of clinical laboratory medicine at the Jikei University School of Medicine, points out, “As we enter a super-aged society, it is important to increase vitamin D intake to prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures.”
Vitamin D is found in foods such as mushrooms and fish and is produced by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Measurements showed an almost complete lack of plant-derived vitamins. Deficiency rates were evident in younger age groups.
“Since our diet is traditionally rich in mushrooms and fish, the Japanese are said to be getting enough vitamin D. These results suggest changes in diet and more time spent indoors. I think it is due to factors such as lack of sunlight due to the weather.” It is necessary to consciously take vitamins by reviewing your diet and using supplements,” says Ochi.
(Japanese original by Tomoko Mitsumata, City News Department)
