Researchers from Curtin University have estimated that more than 95 percent of Australians older than two years of age have a vitamin D intake below the recommended daily average. “Most Australians consume less than half of international recommendations for vitamin D (10 µg/day),” lead researcher Eleanor Dunlop said. Vitamin D is a vitamin stored in fat and helps the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus; both of which are critical for building bone. Apart from its role physiologically, studies have also shown that a vitamin d deficiency is associated with poorer mental health, particularly depression. The team analysed results from the most recent and comprehensive study on vitamin D, the 2011 to 2013 Australian Health Survey (AHS) which surveyed over 32,000 respondents. Participants were asked on the phone to recall the food they ate in the past 24 hours, with a second survey conducted eight days later. The survey found 17 percent …