Which of the following is a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency?

• A. Regular fortified foods
• B. Adequate sun exposure
• C. Regular exercise
• D. Vegetarian diet

Answer: (D)

Vitamin D status hinges on two main sources: sun-driven synthesis in the skin and dietary intake. Regular fortified foods and adequate sun exposure both help prevent deficiency by supplying or enabling production of vitamin D. A vegetarian diet can become a risk factor because it may exclude natural dietary sources rich in vitamin D, like fatty fish and, depending on the diet, dairy products, unless fortified alternatives are consistently consumed. If someone on a vegetarian diet doesn’t regularly use fortified foods or get enough sun exposure, their vitamin D intake can fall short, increasing the risk of deficiency. Regular exercise itself does not directly influence vitamin D levels.