Vitamin D
Why it Matters?
Vitamin D deficiency has emerged as a widespread public health issue in India, with experts highlighting its systemic health impacts and the urgent need for awareness, screening, and supplementation.
What You Should Know?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for calcium absorption and bone health.
It is popularly known as the “sunshine vitamin” as it is synthesized in the skin on exposure to UVB rays from sunlight.
Major natural sources include fatty fish (salmon, sardines), egg yolk, mushrooms, and fortified dairy products.
Only 20% of orally consumed Vitamin D is absorbed, making sunlight and supplements vital for sufficiency.
Deficiency can lead to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, weakening bones and muscles.
It also helps regulate blood pressure, immune function, and may lower risks of Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory infections, and some cancers.
Vitamin D toxicity is possible with excessive supplementation, leading to hypercalcemia and other health issues.
Midday sunlight (10 AM to 2 PM) is most effective for Vitamin D synthesis in the skin.
Lifestyle factors such as urban living, staying indoors, sunscreen use, and covered clothing reduce natural Vitamin D production.
India's population shows 40% to 90% deficiency prevalence, making it a public health concern.
Screening, dietary fortification, and safe sun exposure are key public health measures recommended.