Vitamin D Deficiency: The Silent Epidemic Affecting Health and Energy
The Silent Epidemic: Why Vitamin D Deficiency Is More Common Than You Think
As a Māori woman, a mother, and a person fighting to keep Type-2 diabetes at bay with both natural healing methods and western medicine, I’ve always sought to blend my cultural roots with modern science. In te ao Māori, we value the connection between people and the environment—our whenua (land), our rā (sun), and the kai (food) that nourishes us. It’s a holistic approach to health that resonates deeply with me, and yet, even with these principles in mind, I was shocked to discover how prevalent vitamin D deficiency is in Aotearoa/New Zealand and beyond.
Vitamin D—sometimes called the "sunshine vitamin"—is so essential that it feels almost poetic. A nutrient gifted to us by nature, one that keeps our bones strong, our mood balanced, and our immunity sharp. And yet, for reasons both modern and historical, too many of us are missing out.
Let’s dive into why this nutrient matters, how to know if you’re getting enough, and practical steps to protect yourself and your whānau (family).
Why Vitamin D Is So Important: The Science and the Stories
Vitamin D is far more than just a bone-builder. It’s involved in hundreds of processes in your body. Some of the most critical include:
Strengthening Immunity: Research has shown that vitamin D plays a crucial role in immune defense, reducing susceptibility to colds, flu, and even severe infections. (BMJ Open, 2022)
Mental Wellbeing: Low vitamin D levels are linked to mood disorders like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and even general depression. Studies suggest that maintaining adequate levels can help stabilize mood, particularly during the darker months. (Verywell Health, 2023
Energy and Resilience: Fatigue and muscle weakness are common symptoms of deficiency. Addressing these can lead to noticeable improvements in daily vitality. (Endocrinology Advisor)
For me, this hit home during a particularly busy season when I noticed my tamariki (child) getting run down more often than usual. After a blood test revealed low vitamin D levels, we made a few changes—more time outdoors, better kai, and supplements where needed—and the difference was night and day.
Why Deficiency Is So Common
It seems ironic that in a country as beautiful as Aotearoa, with its wide-open spaces and clear skies, so many of us are deficient. But there are some good reasons why this happens:
- Limited Sun Exposure: Many of us spend more time inside than we realize—whether it’s at the office, kura (school), or simply relaxing at home. Sunscreen, while vital for skin health, also blocks the UVB rays your body needs to produce vitamin D.
- Geography and Seasons: In higher latitudes, like New Zealand, the sun’s rays aren’t strong enough in winter to trigger vitamin D production. (Frontiers in Nutrition, 2023)
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Dietary Shortfalls: While some foods like oily fish and egg yolks contain vitamin D, they’re not staples in most diets. This makes supplementation more important, especially for tamariki and kaumātua (elders). (Healthline, 2023)
The Silent Epidemic: Why Vitamin D Deficiency Is More Common Than You Think
As a Māori woman, a mother, and a person fighting to keep Type-2 diabetes at bay with both natural healing methods and western medicine, I’ve always sought to blend my cultural roots with modern science. In te ao Māori, we value the connection between people and the environment—our whenua (land), our rā (sun), and the kai (food) that nourishes us. It’s a holistic approach to health that resonates deeply with me, and yet, even with these principles in mind, I was shocked to discover how prevalent vitamin D deficiency is in Aotearoa/New Zealand and beyond.
Vitamin D—sometimes called the "sunshine vitamin"—is so essential that it feels almost poetic. A nutrient gifted to us by nature, one that keeps our bones strong, our mood balanced, and our immunity sharp. And yet, for reasons both modern and historical, too many of us are missing out.
Let’s dive into why this nutrient matters, how to know if you’re getting enough, and practical steps to protect yourself and your whānau (family).
Why Vitamin D Is So Important: The Science and the Stories
Vitamin D is far more than just a bone-builder. It’s involved in hundreds of processes in your body. Some of the most critical include:
Strengthening Immunity: Research has shown that vitamin D plays a crucial role in immune defense, reducing susceptibility to colds, flu, and even severe infections. (BMJ Open, 2022)
Mental Wellbeing: Low vitamin D levels are linked to mood disorders like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and even general depression. Studies suggest that maintaining adequate levels can help stabilize mood, particularly during the darker months. (Verywell Health, 2023)
Energy and Resilience: Fatigue and muscle weakness are common symptoms of deficiency. Addressing these can lead to noticeable improvements in daily vitality. (Endocrinology Advisor)
For me, this hit home during a particularly busy season when I noticed my tamariki (child) getting run down more often than usual. After a blood test revealed low vitamin D levels, we made a few changes—more time outdoors, better kai, and supplements where needed—and the difference was night and day.
Why Deficiency Is So Common
It seems ironic that in a country as beautiful as Aotearoa, with its wide-open spaces and clear skies, so many of us are deficient. But there are some good reasons why this happens:
- Limited Sun Exposure: Many of us spend more time inside than we realize—whether it’s at the office, kura (school), or simply relaxing at home. Sunscreen, while vital for skin health, also blocks the UVB rays your body needs to produce vitamin D.
- Geography and Seasons: In higher latitudes, like New Zealand, the sun’s rays aren’t strong enough in winter to trigger vitamin D production. (Frontiers in Nutrition, 2023)
- Dietary Shortfalls: While some foods like oily fish and egg yolks contain vitamin D, they’re not staples in most diets. This makes supplementation more important, especially for tamariki and kaumātua (elders). (Healthline, 2023)
How to Know if You’re Deficient
Vitamin D deficiency is often called a “silent epidemic” because its symptoms are easy to overlook. Here’s what to watch for:
- Persistent tiredness or low energy.
- Frequent colds or infections.
- Muscle aches, joint pain, or bone discomfort.
- Mood swings or low mood.
If this sounds familiar, I encourage you to get a blood test. Testing is simple and can provide the clarity you need to make changes.
Practical Steps to Boost Vitamin D
The good news? It’s never too late to start prioritizing your health. Here are some simple ways to boost vitamin D levels for yourself and your whānau:
- Safe Sun Exposure: Aim for 10–15 minutes of sun on your arms and face a few times a week. Midday is best, but be mindful of burning.
- Incorporate Vitamin D-Rich Foods: Try adding more fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods to your diet.
- Supplementation: A high-quality vitamin D3 supplement is often the most reliable way to meet your needs, especially during the colder months.
My man - Jase - had never even known that he had some of these symptoms, until he took a D supplement and they went away after a couple of weeks. He's always focused on the muscle building and endurance stuff, but he's been missing some of the basics. Plus - he fasts, and so I think this makes a supplement all the more necessary in his case (particularly one that is not naturally in loads of food).
How My Sunshine Product Can Help
For those looking for an easy, effective solution, our Sunshine Vitamin D3 supplement was designed with Aotearoa’s unique needs in mind. It’s high-potency, easy to absorb, and trusted by families across the country. Whether you’re a busy parent or simply want to prioritize your health, it’s a simple way to bring a little more light into your life.
In fact - I dont recommend our D-vitamin option as an off-the-hand comment - and that's because taking a D-vitamin that is not high-quality can be ineffective at best and harmful at worst. Studies now show that taking a D-vitamin without K2 present in the diet can lead to a build-up and hardening of the arteries - restricting blood flow. Vitamin-D (as traditional D2) is also not naturally very bio-available - but when we use D3 & magnesium is present- all that changes. Sunshine Plus has magnesium, K2 and D3 - and it's designed to be both effective and safe long-term. Jase and I are both very proud of this product - it's a winner.
A Challenge for You
I encourage you to take stock of your daily habits this week. Are you spending enough time outdoors? Eating kai that nourishes your wairua (spirit) as well as your body? If not, start small. Take a walk in the sun. Add a vitamin D-rich food to your next meal. Or try a supplement and track how you feel over the next month.
"I remember a winter when my youngest seemed to catch every bug going around. After weeks of frustration, we discovered his vitamin D levels were shockingly low. Adding a daily supplement and a bit more outdoor play transformed his energy and immunity in just a few weeks." Madison
Your health is your taonga (treasure). By making small, intentional changes today, you can safeguard it for tomorrow.