Oz suffer Vit D deficiency while evading cancer risk

SYDNEY, Dec 9 (UNI) The natives of ''sun burnt'' Australia are suffering from Vitamin D deficiency as they avoid exposure to sun for fear of getting skin cancer.

Almost 30 per cent of the population suffered from vitamin D deficiency as they are not getting sufficient sunlight, The Sydney Morning Herald quoted endocrinologist Terry Diamond as saying.

Vitamin D was necessary for calcium absorption and those with deficient amounts were at risk for osteoporosis and dental problems, as well as diabetes and cancer.

Mr Diamond said new research suggests the Australian guidelines for vitamin D underestimate the actual need by as much as 40 per cent. That could mean the level of deficiency is as high as 70 per cent.

Australian hospitals report the number of broken bones caused by osteoporosis has risen from an average of 177 a day to 262 in six years.

UNI