Vitamin D Deficiency on the Sunny West Coast: How Common Is It?

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Vitamin D Deficiency on the West Coast – Surprising Facts

The West Coast is famous for its sunshine and outdoor lifestyle, so you’d expect everyone living there to have plenty of vitamin D. But research shows a surprising truth: Vitamin D deficiency is still very common, even in sunny places like California and the Pacific Northwest.

In Southern California, one study found that over 35% of adults had low vitamin D (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D below 20 ng/mL). The risk was highest among African American adults (49%), followed by Hispanic (34%), Asian (32%), and White (33%) adults. Even people admitted to the hospital were almost 50% likely to have a deficiency.[1]

Why is this happening, and what can you do about it? Let's explore the surprising causes, symptoms, and smart solutions – including foods, supplements like cholecalciferol and K2, and a closer look at the powerful Daily All Day Vita Blend multivitamin.

Why Is Vitamin D Deficiency So Common?

Vitamin D (sometimes called the “sunshine vitamin,” or calciferol vitamin D), is produced in your skin when it’s exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from the sun. However, many lifestyle and biological factors limit how much vitamin D your body actually makes and uses.

  • Skin Pigmentation: Melanin, the pigment that makes skin darker, actually blocks UVB rays and reduces vitamin D production. This means African American, Hispanic, and Asian people are more likely to be deficient[2].
  • Sun Avoidance: Lots of sunscreen, long clothing for religious or cultural reasons, or simply spending most time indoors (at work, school, or using devices) means less skin exposed.
  • Location: Even on the sunny West Coast, cloudy days, pollution, and smog can lower the intensity of UV rays. Northern coastal states get less sun, especially in winter.
  • Older Age: As we age, our skin gets less efficient at making vitamin D.
  • Obesity and Health Conditions: “Borderline” states of health and obesity, common in modern lifestyles, are strongly connected to vitamin D deficiency.[3]
  • Diets Low in Vitamin D Foods: Not eating enough salmon, fortified foods, or egg yolks also raises your risk.
  • Night and Shift Workers: Even on the sunny West Coast, night shift workers, medical staff, or people who work mostly indoors are very likely to develop deficiency.[4]

Even babies and older adults, who stay mostly at home, are at increased risk. This includes people who need vitamin D drops for newborns to help them grow strong bones.

Who Is Most At Risk?

  • People with darker skin (more melanin).
  • Those who work indoors or night shifts.
  • Older adults – skin becomes less efficient.
  • Overweight or people with chronic illnesses.
  • Vegans/vegetarians (since many vitamin D foods are animal-based).
  • Babies (need vitamin D drops for newborns).
  • Anyone who covers their body for cultural or religious reasons.

It’s estimated that nearly half of the U.S. population may have low vitamin D, even in sunny places[5]. Many young people are surprised to discover their deficiency, especially if living inside for most of the day, sitting at desks, or online.

Vitamin D Foods and Supplements

Want to support healthy vitamin D levels? Try these steps:

  • Spend about 10-30 minutes in direct sunlight a few times a week (face, arms, legs exposed; no sunscreen during this time if safe).
  • Eat vitamin D foods like fatty fish (salmon, sardines), egg yolks, and fortified plant milks or cereals.
  • For vegetarians: Look for fortified plant-based milks, tofu, or vitamin D mushrooms. Some sources use ergocalciferol (D2), but cholecalciferol (D3) is better absorbed.
  • Take a vitamin D supplement – consider brands that combine vitamin D3 with vitamin K2 for improved calcium utilization.
  • If you have gut issues, absorption could be low. Taking vitamin D with healthy fats or alongside other supportive nutrients (like those in omega-3 supplements) can help.

Common questions include: What is the best vitamin D supplement? For most, cholecalciferol (vitamin D3 supplement) at safe, daily doses (like 600-2000 IU for adults, or as your doctor prescribes) is effective. Many find that products with K2 (like Daily All Day Vita Blend) support optimal absorption and use by the body ("vitamin D with K2 vs. vitamin D and K").

Ingredients Deep Dive – Daily All Day Vita Blend

To keep up daily levels of vitamin D, K2, and more, Daily All Day Vita Blend (120 Tablets) provides a holistic combination of 23 vitamins and minerals along with 23 Ayurvedic herbs, formulated for strength, immunity, and energy.

  • Key Vitamins & Amounts per tablet:
    • Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol): 600 IU
    • Vitamin K2-Mk7: 50 mcg (for healthy bones, better calcium use)
    • Vitamin A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6, B9 (folic acid), B12 (cyanocobalamin), C, E, H (biotin)
  • Powerful Herbs: Moringa, Ashwagandha, Panax Ginseng, Giloy, Curcumin (turmeric), Ginkgo Biloba, Sea Buckthorn, Milk Thistle, Fenugreek, Brahmi, and more (learn about ashwagandha benefits).
  • Other Nutrients: Omega 3/6/9, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, Copper, Iodine, and Astaxanthin (natural antioxidant).

How to take it? Just 2 tablets daily (1 morning, 1 evening) after meals. For noticeable results, use consistently for at least 6-8 weeks.
Click here for the full product details: Daily All Day Vita Blend – 120 Tablets

This formula helps fill nutritional gaps for those with busy, stressful, or indoor-heavy lives (read about hidden nutrient gaps here) and goes beyond simply boosting vitamin D.

What People Are Asking: Quora Q&A

  • Why is vitamin D deficiency so common?
    Most people spend too much time inside, wear sunscreen, or cover up, even in sunny places. Learn more on Quora.
  • Can you get a vitamin D deficiency even outdoors?
    Yes! For your skin to make vitamin D, it must be uncovered and the sun must be strong enough (UV index >= 3). Cloudy skies or pollution can block UVB rays. See Quora thread.
  • How common is vitamin D deficiency?
    Almost half the US population has low levels, often without knowing it. More insights on Quora.
  • Why are so many young people deficient even in sunny countries?
    Screen time, indoor life, and city living are large reasons. Read more on Quora answers.
  • Is vitamin D deficiency common in today’s population?
    Yes – and it’s more important than most realize! See personal stories on Quora.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is cholecalciferol?
    Cholecalciferol is vitamin D3, the natural form of vitamin D your skin makes from sunlight. It’s the most effective form for raising your vitamin D status.
  2. What does vitamin K2 do, and why combine it with D3?
    Vitamin K2 helps guide calcium into your bones instead of your arteries. When combined with D3, it’s great for bone and heart health. For more, check our blog on Vitamin D3 and Immunity.
  3. Are vitamin D foods enough?
    Many people, especially those with restricted diets (vegans, vegetarians), may struggle to get enough from food alone.
  4. What’s the difference between vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3?
    D3 (cholecalciferol) is better absorbed by your body than D2 (ergocalciferol).
  5. Can I take vitamin D every day?
    Yes, many people need daily supplements, especially if they are not getting enough sun or eating few vitamin D foods. Dosage should always be as directed by your doctor or per safe product labels.

Summary

If you live or work on the West Coast – or just spend a lot of time indoors or using sunscreen – there’s a real chance your vitamin D levels are low. A daily supplement high in vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and K2, plus good nutrition and some safe sun, can help you stay strong, support your immunity, and feel more energized every day. For a complete blend of these nutrients plus powerful herbs, check out Daily All Day Vita Blend and explore other related wellness tips in our Ashwagandha, Omega 3, and hidden nutrient gaps blogs.

Vitamin D deficiency is far more common on the sunny West Coast than many realize. Despite abundant sunshine, a large percentage of people – especially those with darker skin, indoor jobs, low socioeconomic status, or health conditions – may not get enough vitamin D. This can lead to serious health problems like weak bones, immune issues, and increased risk for chronic diseases.

Daily All Day Vita Blend (120 Tablets) helps fill your daily vitamin nutrient gaps with a comprehensive combination of Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), K2, and 21 other vitamins and minerals plus powerful Ayurvedic herbs. This blend is ideal for anyone at risk of deficiency and looking for holistic daily support. Prioritizing vitamin D through sun, food, and supplements (especially those containing both vitamin D and K2) can help you stay healthier and more energized.

Be proactive: Check your vitamin D status, consider lifestyle changes, and support your body with trusted sources of vitamin D for better health, energy, and immunity – even on the sunniest coast!

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