Vitamin D deficiency poses public health challenge, say experts
Kurien Thomas, senior consultant physician and clinical epidemiologist at Naruvi Hospitals, pointed out that despite the ease with which Vitamin D can be synthesised through sun exposure, a vast majority of Indians — estimated between 40% to 90% — are deficient. 'Lifestyle changes like staying indoors, use of sunscreen, and sun-protective clothing are significant contributors to this silent crisis,' he said.
Calling it the 'Sunlight Vitamin', Dr. Kurien said Vitamin D plays a vital role in bone health and calcium absorption. Its deficiency can lead to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. 'Environmental pollution, vegetarian diets, lack of supplements, old age, and co-morbidities are other contributing factors,' he added.
He urged mid-day sun exposure and dietary inclusion of fish, meat, egg yolk, fortified dairy products and mushrooms. However, since only 20% of orally consumed Vitamin D is absorbed, he recommended supplements, especially for at-risk groups.
D. Aneesh Basheer, professor of medicine at SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Chennai, addressed the needs of high-risk individuals such as the elderly, patients with chronic illnesses, those on certain medications, and people with limited mobility or dietary intake. He explained the thresholds for deficiency and called for targeted screening and fortified food options, while cautioning about the potential toxicity of excess Vitamin D due to its fat-soluble nature.
Pranita Vanjare, consultant in geriatrics and internal medicine at Naruvi Hospitals, elaborated on the extra-skeletal effects of Vitamin D. 'It supports not just bone and muscle health but plays a broader role in regulating blood pressure, reducing inflammation and potentially lowering the risk of Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory infections, and certain cancers,' she said.
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