Vitamin D: comprehension questions and answers
1. Explain briefly why the body needs Vitamin D.
Vitamin D aids the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the diet and these minerals are very important for both bone growth and bone maintenance. Vitamin D also regulates and strengthens the functioning of the immune system.
2. Why do many people in Britain need to ensure that their diet contains sufficient vitamin D from October to March?
Countries at a distance from the equator do not always receive enough sunlight during this period to enable the body to manufacture sufficient vitamin D within the exposed skin.
3. The text highlights a number of typical symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, so why is it difficult to diagnose without a blood test?
Most of the symptoms are quite subtle and could be caused by a number of issues. In addition the patient may only exhibit some of the symptoms.
4. In the article, what are the three main trends named as possible causes of the recent increases in vitamin D deficiency?
Both children and adults are not spending much time outside and cannot manufacture sufficient vitamin D naturally.
- People are making sure their skin is shielded from the sun by wearing sun cream or clothing.
- Many people have reduced their intake of dairy products
5. What guidelines are given for exposing the skin to sunlight in order to maximise vitamin D production?
In summer, Britons should try to spend 15 minutes outside every day, with at least the face and arms exposed. (Slightly longer is recommended for those with darker skins.) This is preferable to less frequent but longer periods in the sun, which may risk sunburn.