The Diabetes Foundation of India’s estimates reveal that around 80% of the Indian population is Vitamin D deficient. This deficiency has been documented to be in the range of 50-90% amongst all the age groups in India. Worse still, this deficiency is growing fast at both the national and global levels. Clearly, it is a concern that needs to be addressed vigourously.

Vitamin-D-Deficiency (VDD) in India

Vitamin D deficiency in India is widespread and is a major public health problem. This is despite the availability of ample sunlight for most of the people in the country. Poor exposure to sunlight, vegetarian food habits and low intake of Vitamin D-fortified foods are the chief reasons for Vitamin D deficiency among the people of India. Studies conducted in different parts of the country have revealed that Vitamin D deficiency is widely present among all age groups — toddlers, school children, pregnant women, their neonates, adult males and females – and in both rural and urban areas.

 

Of the several vitamins  and minerals that our body requires to ensure sound health, Vitamin D plays a significant role as it makes our muscles, hearts, lungs and brain function smoothly. As innocuous as it may sound, Vitamin D is one of the most essential nutrients that the human body needs; and if one gets too much of it or too little, one is getting set to face health problems. There are several sources to obtain Vitamin D. Our body can make its own Vitamin D from sunlight. We can also get a very small amount from a few foods we eat, including fish, fish (especially codfish) liver oils, egg yolk and fortified dairy, cereal and grain products.

However, the ground reality in India is that the majority of the population cannot afford these few foods regularly. So then, is there a way out? Sure. Take supplements. At minimum cost, supplements cater to the maximum requirement of Vitamin D that our body needs.

However, the population at large in India is not even aware of Vitamin D deficiency and its consequences. This is a bigger concern than the deficiency of Vitamin D itself, and we need to make the general public aware of it.

“Vitamin D deficiency has undefined signs or symptoms. People complaining of back pains, unexplained muscle pains, or general fatigue are likely to be Vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D deficiency can be easily corrected by Vitamin D supplementation or some lifestyle change.” says Prof Mala Dharmalingam MD DM, Prof  & HOD, Dept of Endocrinology, MSR Medical College & Hospital Bangalore, Director BEDRC.

Monsoon & Vitamin D Deficiency

This year’s monsoon has almost set in now, bringing with it numerous atmospheric as well as bodily changes. So, are you prepared to cope with the seasonal changes that affect your immunity? This is a pertinent question you should ask yourself.

As a result of the number of changes the human body undergoes during monsoon season, Vitamin D deficiency rears its ugly head. This then results in a host of diseases spreading among the population.

If we talk about autoimmune diseases, research suggests that Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of developing autoimmune diseases, that is, overactive immune responses of the body attacking its own cells and organs. During the monsoon season, Vitamin D deficiency weakens the immune system, which results in several diseases spreading among the populace.

Medical experts are unanimous: if dietary intake is unable to adequately provide the required amount of Vitamin D needed to keep one healthy, one should take recourse to Vitamin D supplements in consultation with the physician. This line of treatment is cost-effective and feasible for everyone. In addition, regular exposure to sunlight will help the body receive enough Vitamin D.