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Vitamin D Deficiency in the UAE: Why It's Common and What to Do
Despite year-round sunshine, low vitamin D is common in the UAE. Learn the symptoms, who should be tested, and how deficiency is treated safely.
Quick answer
Vitamin D deficiency is common in the UAE because many people spend most of the day indoors, cover their skin, or avoid the midday sun. It may cause no symptoms, or bone pain, muscle aches, weakness and tiredness. A simple blood test confirms it, and treatment is with vitamin D supplements at a dose your doctor advises.
In this article
The UAE has plenty of sunshine, yet low vitamin D is common. Air-conditioned offices and homes, covering clothing, sunscreen and avoiding the heat all reduce the time skin spends making vitamin D.
Why vitamin D matters
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and keeps bones and muscles healthy. Severe deficiency can cause rickets in children and osteomalacia (soft bones) in adults.
Symptoms
Many people have no symptoms. When present, they can include:
- Bone pain, especially in the back, hips or legs
- Muscle aches, cramps and weakness
- Tiredness
- In children: delayed growth or bowed legs
These symptoms have many possible causes, so a blood test is needed to confirm low vitamin D.
Who is at higher risk?
- People who are mostly indoors
- People who cover most of their skin outdoors
- People with darker skin
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Babies who are breastfed without a vitamin D supplement
- Older adults
- People with obesity, or with kidney, liver or bowel conditions
Testing and treatment
Your GP can arrange a blood test for vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D). If it is low, treatment is usually with vitamin D3 tablets or drops. The dose depends on how low your level is, your age and other health conditions.
Too much vitamin D can be harmful, so avoid taking very high doses without medical advice.
Getting vitamin D safely
- Sunlight: short periods of sun on the arms and legs outside the hottest hours. Avoid sunburn.
- Food: oily fish (salmon, sardines), egg yolks and fortified milk or cereals. Food alone rarely provides enough.
- Supplements: as advised by your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Should everyone take a vitamin D supplement?
Not necessarily. Many health authorities recommend supplements for groups at higher risk. Ask your GP whether you need testing or a supplement.
How long does it take to correct a deficiency?
Levels usually improve over several weeks to a few months of treatment. Your doctor may repeat the test to check.
