Vitamin D deficiency in Europeans today and in Viking settlers of Greenland

Introduction:
This text provides an in-depth analysis of the relationship between vitamin D and human life, with a focus on the European population and their potential deficiency in vitamin D. The reader will learn about the historical and geographical factors that contribute to vitamin D deficiency, as well as the impact of civilization, religious traditions, and food fortification on vitamin D levels. The text also discusses the global migration of people and its effect on vitamin D deficiency.

Key Points:

* humans can synthesize vitamin D in their skin upon exposure to UV-B radiation, but the amount of UV-B radiation decreases as the distance from the equator increases.
* Europeans, who live far north of the equator, are at risk of vitamin D deficiency due to inadequate UV-B radiation, especially in the winter months.
* The Scottish population has a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency due to their northern location and cloudy maritime climate.
* The Vikings who settled in Greenland for almost 500 years likely had sufficient vitamin D due to their high-fat diet, which included fatty fish and marine mammals.
* Civilization and religious traditions can affect vitamin D levels by requiring people to cover their skin or avoid sunlight.
* Global migration of people to regions with different UV-B radiation levels can affect vitamin D levels and health outcomes.
* Vitamin D deficiency is a global health problem, and high-risk groups may vary in different regions.

Main Message:
The text emphasizes the importance of vitamin D for human health and the impact of geographical location, civilization, and religious traditions on vitamin D levels. It highlights the potential risks of vitamin D deficiency, particularly in populations living far north of the equator, and the need for appropriate policies and interventions to address this global health problem. The text also highlights the importance of considering the impact of global migration on vitamin D levels and health outcomes. Overall, the text underscores the critical role of vitamin D in human health and the need for continued research and policy interventions to ensure adequate vitamin D levels in populations around the world.

Göring, h., and S. Koshuchowa. “Vitamin D Deficiency in Europeans Today and in Viking Settlers of Greenland.” Biochemistry (Moscow) 81, no. 12 (December 2016): 1492–97. https://doi.org/10.1134/S0006297916120117.