[Vitamin D deficiency in a multicultural setting].

Abstract

The discovery of the antirachitic properties of sunlight and cod liver oil led to the disappearance of rickets as a common disease in western countries. However, this view has had to be readjusted as immigrants to western countries from those countries closer to the equator have been shown to suffer from symptomatic vitamin D deficiency. Immigrants from Africa in particular have several risk factors, such as dark skin, the tendency to stay out of the sun, wearing well-covering clothes, and a diet which is low in dairy products. The vitamin D deficiency is manifested by pain in the legs and muscle weakness. In particular, stair climbing becomes difficult. In a multicultural society such as in the Netherlands, advice regarding vitamin D (for example that provide by the Dutch Health Council) should take into account the above-mentioned risk factors.