Who is least likely to be at risk for low vitamin D?

The individual most likely to be at lower risk for low vitamin D is someone with significant sun exposure. Vitamin D is often referred to as the "sunshine vitamin," produced in the skin in response to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from the sun. Therefore, a person who receives ample sunlight will have a higher opportunity to synthesize vitamin D naturally.

In contrast, individuals on anticonvulsant medication may have altered vitamin D metabolism, leading to a deficiency risk. Those with dark skin have higher melanin levels, which can inhibit vitamin D synthesis, making them more susceptible to low levels of this vitamin, especially in areas with limited sunlight. Individuals with kidney disease may face challenges in converting vitamin D to its active form, heightening their risk for deficiency.

Thus, the presence of significant sun exposure substantially reduces the likelihood of experiencing low vitamin D levels, making this scenario the least at risk. Understanding these relationships can help nursing practitioners assess patients’ risks for vitamin D deficiency and develop appropriate interventions.