We need your help now
Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.
You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.
Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
PEOPLE LIVING IN more socio-economically deprived areas in Dublin have higher rates of vitamin D deficiency, according to new research.
A new map charts the level of vitamin D in inhabitants across Dublin.
The map is the result of research carried out at Trinity College Dublin and St James’ Hospital.
It shows that the highest level of vitamin D deficiency in the Dublin area is in Dublin 8 and the Lucan postal area, which are the most ethnically diverse places.
On average, one in four (25%) people in these areas are vitamin D deficient.
This compares to an average across Dublin of one in eight (12.5%).
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that is present in very few foods. Exposure to sun can increase levels of vitamin D in the body.
A deficiency of the vitamin is associated with musculoskeletal and bone health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.
It is also a risk factor in a greater range of serious health conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and inflammatory conditions.
The map shows that Dublin 16 has the lowest rate of deficiency, with the rate being only 5% in summer.
The research was carried out through geo-mapping and traditional research involving over 5,200 participants.
Younger people (aged between 18 and 50) had considerably lower levels of vitamin D than over 50s.
Commenting on the results, author of the study Dr Eamon Laird said that they would help to inform public health policy in the future.
“This is the first time that a geographical map of the greater Dublin region or any urban region in Ireland has been developed,” he said.
Our findings provide useful data to help inform public health policy regarding endemic vitamin D insufficiency to help target the population groups and resident location areas most at risk.
Laird said that the differences of levels between areas was in line with other studies that showed the association between social deprivation and lower vitamin D.
“Also, these locations in Dublin are more ethnically diverse compared to other areas, with higher numbers of non-Caucasians,” he said.
Increased skin pigmentation plus ethnic lifestyle choices such as traditional clothing and/or dietary habits can also increase the risk of deficiency.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Pyjamas must be good at blocking the sun
As usual the rest of the flipping country doesn’t exist !?
This is the journal.ie not the farmers journal!
Complain to Trinity! It was their study!
My only regret… is that I have.. boneitis
Boneitis?does that mean you keep getting boners?
Looks like anyone on the Northside is in big trouble!!
How do u figure that as there are no figures given for the northside ?
Hang on pal,I live on the north side and at this moment I’m basking in glorious sunshine out de back and my vitamin D levels have gone true de roof.I wouldn’t dream of living on de southside.must dash now and put some factor 30 on.
@Gerry Fallon: Doo de rite in de code?
The people who are vitamin D deprived are sitting in darkened rooms shooting up or smoking crystal meth … We know thats how they roll in Lucan… bitches…
They show a map of D deficiency across South Dublin not Dublin. Typically Dublin finishesat the liffey.
Anyone who thinks doing a study to raise awareness of a deficiency in Vit D is crap or wonders ‘does anyone care?’, is very ignorant and a bit thick.This is incredibly important.And should be shared through social media.Its a huge problem and maybe some people on here should attend hospitals and talk to people with the resulting ailments and ask them,’if you had known you had a vit D deficiency and all you needed was to take a supplement to avoid unnecessary pain,would you have taken one?’.'I’d wish i’d known’-would probably be the overwhelming answer.
@(((Dar o Rourke))): Good start to your campaign with the thick and ignorant name calling. Btw you still need sunlight to activate the D supplement you take, you should add that to the rant.
Good luck.
There are also links between mental health issues and vitamin D deficiency. This study is definitely not a waste of time.
@Cormac Laffan: Thanks Cormac .Would you mind showing me some supporting evidence that a Vit D supplement needs sunlight to be activated please?
@(((Dar o Rourke))):
Full article,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK56061/
Breakdown image,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK56061/figure/ch3.f1/?report=objectonly
Lots of misinformation about, of course people will be ignorant of the research, don’t forget the researchers were too.
Sun and supplements together are best practice atm, especially in Ireland.
Good to be reminded though, must pick some up this week
@Cormac Laffan: Cheers Cormac,I see where you are coming from.The name calling was due to the seriousness of this as their comments were getting a good few ‘likes’ which was concerning.
Have these people nothing better to do? Who pays for this crap?
Does anyone actually care?
The problem with vitamin D3 deficiency is lack of sunlight and medical professionals. Saying that high doses of V 3 are dangerous. There are a 1000 studies and results of these double blind studies available on google medical research sites from all over the world. Stanford university is a leader in this research. I am a living experiment at 70 yrs of age I started taking VD 3 in 2011 on the advise of a research student at Stanford who was involved in the research and had her father a friend of mine on Vd 3. After the first 3 months of taking 20 to 30000 units per day my right shoulder which had been badly injured in accident in 1999 fully recovered and several other joint ailments I had already went away 4 years later I am still using it and feel wonderful I haven’t had a cold or flu. Since March 2012. I am a retired civil servant and I buy myVd 3 on amazon as you cannot buy the higher doses in Ireland only about 1000 iu. Because medical fraternity don’t either know or believe in it besides which I am in great health and only visit doc every 12 months for annual check. Vitamin D3 doesn’t cure anything it simply boosts your immune system to fight illness… we usually get poor sunlight In Ireland.. this summer was an exception.
Further to above vitamin D3 is a secosteroid naturally occurring In the body when strong sunlight hits the skin. It’s technical name is cholecalciferol and it is too complex for pharmaceutical co to make it. It is actually harvested from Sheeps wool and the main. Source seems to be China at the moment When Sheeps wool is boiled the white foAm that comes off the wool is dried and forms a white powdery substance which is then refined and either sold In Tiny tablet form of is in capsule form in lanolin. We need to take it on a daily basis as it only stays In The body about 24 hours it is stored in out body fat. All this information is on google
@John Mullins: I take 10000iu daily. My D3 levels are very low. It helps, especially in the winter to lift depression.
Not very extensive
Just take a supplement in winter problem.solved !
Need the run to activate it
*sun
@An_Beal_Bocht: Where does it say that you need the sun to activate the supplement?
@An_Beal_Bocht: You don’t need the sun to “activate” it. Your body can metabolise D3 in supplement form. In fact, it’s required to supplement it the more northern you go due to less sunlight.
Terrible map and description really. Let’s pick a few random spots and the call it Dublin? So many areas missing…
Appears to be zero north of the Liffey? Presumably only southsiders have a God given right to sun?!
Just heard Ryan air are to build a terminal in D16.
have your say