Vitamin D deficiency has become a common health problem in India, both in urban and rural inhabitants. Although the amount of sunlight is high, it has been found that close to 70-80% of Indians are deficient in Vitamin D. The causes are complex – both the lifestyle in the modern indoor world and the pollution that prevents UV rays to the diet that does not include the fortified foods. This non-verbal deficiency has been recently associated with lack of energy, bone discomfort, depression, and low immunity, becoming a significant social health issue covered among the Top Stories in public health discussions.
Key Causes and Health Impact
Scientists propose that the urbanization process in India has minimally exposed the natural sunlight, which is one of the main sources of Vitamin D production. The problem has also been exacerbated by long working hours in doors, use of sunscreens as well as the more pollution in urban areas. In addition, the deficiency cannot be overcome by the traditional Indian diets, which are usually vegetarian and contain minimal Vitamin D-rich foods, such as fish, eggs, and fortified dairy. Health experts lay stress on sunlight exposure, dietary supplementation, and awareness campaigns to the population as some of the preventive measures. The long-term effects of deficiency can include osteoporosis, rickets, and weakened immunity and, therefore, early diagnosis is a key to long-term health.
Steps Toward Better Awareness
The healthcare specialists recommend the Vitamin D screening to be included into the regular check-up and fortification of the staple food. The trend can be reversed by the initiation of public health programs advocating clean diets and physical exercise.
