Vitamin D Deficiency: Why It Happens Even in Sunny Cyprus
Vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin” because our body can synthesize it under the influence of ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Living in Cyprus, it may seem like there’s no reason to worry about this vitamin — but in reality, most patients on the island show low or borderline levels of vitamin D.
Let’s explore why this happens, what symptoms to look out for, and why correcting a deficiency is so important.
Living in Cyprus, it may seem like there’s no reason to worry about this vitamin — but in reality, most patients on the island show low or borderline levels of vitamin D.
Let’s explore why this happens, what symptoms to look out for, and why correcting a deficiency is so important.
Why is vitamin D low even in sunny places?
✔️ Low UV intensity in winter months
✔️ Regular use of sunscreen
✔️ Spending most of the day indoors or in shade
✔️ Individual absorption differences
✔️ Chronic digestive, liver, or kidney conditions
✔️ Low-fat diets (D is fat-soluble)
Even in countries like Cyprus, these factors affect vitamin D production — and lead to deficiency.
✔️ Regular use of sunscreen
✔️ Spending most of the day indoors or in shade
✔️ Individual absorption differences
✔️ Chronic digestive, liver, or kidney conditions
✔️ Low-fat diets (D is fat-soluble)
Even in countries like Cyprus, these factors affect vitamin D production — and lead to deficiency.
Why is vitamin D so important?
Vitamin D is not just for bones. It plays a role in:
- Calcium and phosphorus absorption
- Immune system regulation
- Prevention of osteoporosis
- Hormonal balance
- Nervous system function
- Mood stabilization
- Iron absorption and anemia prevention
- Supporting metabolism and body weight
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency:
- Constant fatigue
- Frequent colds or infections
- Hair loss
- Muscle and joint pain
- Poor sleep
- Apathy or anxiety
- Low physical stamina
- In children — growth and bone development issues
What Can You Do?
To manage this properly, it’s important to:
- Check your 25(OH)D level (the most accurate vitamin D test)
- Evaluate related values — like calcium, magnesium, ferritin, and thyroid function
- Consider risk groups: children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic conditions, or those on restrictive diets
- Follow personalized supplementation guidance based on lab results
Don’t underestimate the importance of vitamin D — even under the Cyprus sun.
Chronic fatigue, weak immunity, and mood changes may be more than just “seasonal blues.”
Sometimes, adjusting one small parameter leads to major improvements in how you feel.
Chronic fatigue, weak immunity, and mood changes may be more than just “seasonal blues.”
Sometimes, adjusting one small parameter leads to major improvements in how you feel.