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The Hindu
08-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Vitamin D deficiency poses public health challenge, say experts
Vitamin D deficiency has reached epidemic proportions in India, and ignoring it could have serious health consequences, experts said on Sunday during a webinar on 'Vitamin D Deficiency: Myths vs Reality'. The session, the 14th in a 15-part series under the 'Healthy India, Happy India' initiative, was jointly presented by Naruvi Hospitals, Vellore, and The Hindu. 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. The webinar can be viewed here .
The Hindu
20-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Webinar to focus on use of gadgets and ENT health
Naruvi Hospitals, Vellore and The Hindu are organising a webinar on 'Gadgets in ENT' on June 22. This event is part of the 'Healthy India, Happy India' initiative, a series of 15 webinars aimed at promoting health awareness, disease prevention, and overall wellness across India. The webinar, scheduled to be held at 11.30 a.m., is the 13th instalment in the series. With the increasing use of gadgets, such as earphones, Bluetooth devices, and industrial equipment, ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) health has become a growing concern. This webinar aims to explore the impact of modern technology and workplace noise on hearing and overall ENT wellness. The session will shed light on early warning signs, preventive strategies, and safe gadget usage practices often overlooked in everyday life. Mary Kurien, professor and head, Department of ENT, Naruvi Hospitals, Vellore will speak on 'How can we identify ENT-related problems early, and what precautions can help prevent them?' during the session. Vikram M, consultant, Department of ENT, Naruvi Hospitals, Vellore will speak on 'Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Industrial Workplaces', while Sadhana Chandrababu, advanced audiology practitioner, Powys Teaching Health Board, NHS, United Kingdom will elaborate on the topic - 'Which gadgets can lead to hearing loss, and how do they affect our hearing?'. Soma Basu, senior deputy editor, The Hindu will moderate the session. E-certificate of participation will be issued to those who register for the webinar. To register, visit or scan the QR code.
