Vitamin D deficiency in India

Why in News?

Recently, India has been facing widespread vitamin D deficiency (30–50% of the population) despite abundant sunlight due to various factors.

• About – Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, along with Vitamins A, K, and E.

Fat-soluble vitamins are more difficult to excrete and can cause toxicity if taken in excess.

• Types – Vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) – Found in small amounts in almonds and mushrooms.
• Vitamin D levels are generally poor in vegetarian diets.
• Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) – Found in large concentrations in animal products such as fish, egg, liver, etc.
• Vitamin D in India – In India, 30–50% of the population has vitamin D levels below 20 ng/dl, higher than in developed countries such as the UK and the US.
• This deficiency persists despite abundant sunlight.
• Reasons – They include poor exposure to sunlight, atmospheric pollution, vegetarian diets, and the lack of fortification of dairy products.
• Health Impacts – Vitamin D receptors are found in almost all human tissues.
• Need – Its essential role is not only in bone and mineral metabolism, but in immunity, and even mood regulation.
• Deficiency effects – Poor balance and muscle weakness, and a higher risk of falls in older adults.
• Deficiency linkage – It has been linked to increased susceptibility to respiratory tract infections, tuberculosis, cardiovascular disorders, and metabolic disorders like diabetes.
• Treatment – Food Fortification – Cost-effective strategy used in many countries.
• But it requires widespread testing to detect toxicity, which is not available in India.
• Testing and Supplementation – Follow-up blood test usually done 2–3 months after starting supplementation.

Reference

TH | Vitamin D deficiency in India