Vitamin D deficiency : silent epidemic
India, the world’s most populous country, suffers from widespread micronutrient deficiencies, with Vitamin D deficiency emerging as a silent epidemic.
- Vitamin D (also referred to as calciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in a few foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement.
- It is also produced endogenously when ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight strike the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis.
- During periods of sunlight, vitamin D is stored in fat and then released when sunlight is not available.
- Very few foods have vitamin D naturally.
- The foods with the most are fatty fish (like salmon and tuna), liver, mushrooms, eggs, and fish oils.
- Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption and helps maintain adequate levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood, which is necessary for healthy bones and teeth.
- Without sufficient vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen.
- Vitamin D has other roles in the body, including reduction of inflammation as well as modulation of such processes as cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, and glucose metabolism.
Vitamin D Deficiency: - A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone diseases such as osteoporosis or rickets. Osteoporosis is a disease in which your bones become weak and are likely to fracture (break).
- With chronic and/or severe vitamin D deficiency, a decline in calcium and phosphorus absorption by your intestines leads to hypocalcemia (low calcium levels in your blood).
- This leads to secondary hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands attempting to keep blood calcium levels normal).
- Both hypocalcemia and hyperparathyroidism, if severe, can cause symptoms, including muscle weakness and cramps, fatigue, and depression.
- Anyone can have vitamin D deficiency, including infants, children and adults.
- Vitamin D deficiency may be more common in people with higher skin melanin content (darker skin) and who wear clothing with extensive skin coverage, particularly in Middle Eastern countries.
- Vitamin D supplements are commonly used to treat and prevent vitamin D deficiency.
