40% of the population in Europe suffers from a deficiency of vitamin D in their bodies and the same problem seems to exist in Albania.

Despite being a country with plenty of sunlight, doctors report alarming numbers of people with vitamin D deficiency.

“More than 90% of the people who get tested for vitamin D in their blood, result in a lower level than the usual norm,” endocrinologist Dashamir Gjergji tells Euronews Albania.

Known as the “Sunshine Vitamin”, doctors say its deficiency causes a range of health problems in the body.

“It leads to the weakening of the level of calcium in the bones and osteoporosis, which is its most severe form. Therefore, the majority of the elderly have problems with injuries and fractures due to the lack of vitamin D. It also means more chances of rotten teeth in the part of the population that suffers from the lack of this vitamin, lower immunity as well. Vitamin D protects us from cancer and infections,” doctor Gjergji further adds.

The most at risk from vitamin D deficiency are young children who are breastfed and the elderly.

Doctors advise everyone to spend at least one hour in the sun every day throughout the year, not just during summer.

They also appeal not to use supplements excessively, as an excess of vitamin D in the body can lead to toxicity and other health issues.