Dr. Sanjay Kalra, President-Elect of the South Asian Federation of Endocrine Societies, says over two-thirds of Indians also have vitamin D deficiency. 90% of doctors, IT professionals are vitamin D deficient.
Karnal, Haryana: Despite India being blessed with abundant sunshine throughout the year, vitamin D deficiency is widespread among the population, Dr. Sanjay Kalra, President-Elect of the South Asian Federation of Endocrine Societies (SAFES), said on Tuesday, 27th September 2022.
Sunlight is a major source of vitamin D and the Indian population is supposed to have adequate levels of the important vitamin. Dr. Kalra said the situation is the exact opposite as most people simply avoid going out in the sun, especially during summers.
“The use of air conditioners and sunscreen lotions has gone up in India in the last few years. When the sun protection factor or SPF is above 15, there is no vitamin D absorption by the body. High pollution levels also result in less effective exposure to sunlight,” said Dr Kalra while speaking on “Hidden Hunger – Immuno Nutrition” to mark the celebration of September as Poshan Maah (Nutrition Month) by the central government.
The noted endocrinologist said widespread vitamin D deficiency can also be attributed to the fact that a majority of the Indian population is vegetarian. He, however, noted that it is high even among non-vegetarians as most consuming meat once a week or so is not enough to meet the vitamin D requirement.
“Several studies have shown that over two-thirds of Indians are vitamin D deficient. This is similar to the incidence of anaemia or haemoglobin deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is 90% among doctors. The same with IT professionals,” he said.
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Women, people living in areas with high pollution levels, people having kidney or liver diseases, and those having skin ailments are especially vulnerable to vitamin D deficiency. Difficulty in squatting, difficulty in getting up from a squatting position, difficulty in bending down, tenderness in bones, and general aches and pains are some of the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency. Another symptom is poor immunity. However, rectifying vitamin D deficiency is economical, efficient, and effective.
“Roughly 60,000 units of vitamin D a month suffice. There are sublingual tablets that can be kept under the tongue. Sachets of Calcirol (Cholecalciferol), which can be mixed with water or Jucie are also available,” he said.
Explaining the term hidden hunger, Dr. Kalra said it refers to a deficiency of micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes that are required by the human body, especially in the early stages of child growth and lactating mothers.
“Giving vitamin D is one way of improving immuno nutrition levels. It is also important to manage vitamin D levels for improved metabolism and other health benefits,” Dr. Kalra said.
