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Insufficient vitamin D levels causing fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, and mood changes. Surprisingly common in Australia despite abundant sunshine.
From $19.95 · No appointment needed
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department
Despite our sunshine, 1 in 4 Australians are vitamin D deficient. Risk factors include dark skin, office work (limited midday sun), sun avoidance, covered clothing, southern latitudes in winter, and being elderly or housebound.
For mild deficiency: 1,000 IU daily. Moderate deficiency: 2,000-4,000 IU daily. Severe deficiency: your doctor may prescribe a high-dose loading course. Always retest after 3 months to check levels.
It's very difficult. Few foods contain significant vitamin D — oily fish, egg yolks, and fortified milk are the main sources. Most people need supplements and/or safe sun exposure.
In summer: 5-10 minutes of midday sun on arms and face, 4-5 days a week. In winter (especially south of Sydney): longer exposure needed, or supplementation is recommended. Never sunburn — the cancer risk outweighs the vitamin D benefit.
Our Australian-registered doctors are available now. Most consultations completed within an hour.