Micronutrients & recovery
Vitamin D deficiency, defined as serum 25(OH)D <50 nmol/L, is prevalent in 30-60% of populations in Western, Southern, and Eastern Europe, and up to 80% in Middle Eastern countries, with severe deficiency (<30 nmol/L) affecting >10% of Europeans.
If you live in Western, Southern, or Eastern Europe, or the Middle East, your Vitamin D levels are likely below the recommended 50 nmol/L threshold. This is not just a Nordic issue; it is widespread. You should get your levels tested, especially if you are in a risk group like older age, pregnant, or non-Western immigrant.
It occurs in <20% of the population in Northern Europe, in 30–60% in Western, Southern and Eastern Europe and up to 80% in Middle East countries. Severe deficiency (serum 25(OH)D <30 nmol/L or 12 ng/mL) is found in >10% of Europeans.
Why this rating
Based on standardized data from large population surveys (ODIN study) and national health surveys using LC-MS/MS.
Source
Current vitamin D status in European and Middle East countries and strategies to prevent vitamin D deficiency: a position statement of the European Calcified Tissue Society
Paul Lips et al. · European Journal of Endocrinology · 2019
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