Many individuals who live in northern climates may be failing to provide adequate support for their bone and joint health, as a new study has shown that the vast majority of Europeans have dramatically insufficient levels of vitamin D.

Vitamin D deficiency is such a common problem among those living in locations far from the Equator because these areas tend to get less sun exposure throughout the year. Vitamin D is produced naturally in the skin when it is exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays. Studies have suggested the problem is as great in the U.S., much of which lies along the same latitudinal lines as Europe.

In the present study, an international team of researchers estimated that 50 to 70 percent of the European population has deficient levels of vitamin D. This may impair the body's absorption of calcium, which is critical to bone and joint health.

The team pointed out that the availability of sunlight is a major factor for whether or not a person is able to naturally maintain adequate levels of vitamin D. Those who do not live in an area that gets enough sun may benefit from nutritional supplements.