Vitamin D Deficiency In Indians

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Numerous nutrients, such as carbs, protein, lipids, minerals, and vitamins, are provided by our diet. Although our bodies only need a small number of vitamins and minerals, they are nevertheless crucial for maintaining healthy bodily processes.

The two main categories of vitamins are water-soluble vitamins B and C and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Indians frequently suffer from vitamin deficiency. However, many people are still unaware of vitamin D inadequacy.

This blog will try to comprehend various elements of vitamin D insufficiency.
What Is Vitamin D, And How Much Of It Is Needed Daily?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is needed by our body. The body can absorb calcium better thanks to vitamin D. One of the main building blocks of bones is calcium. Your immunological, muscular, and nervous systems are all impacted by vitamin D.

Vitamin D can be produced by your body when it is exposed to sunlight. However, exposure to too much sun (UV rays) can result in pores, ageing skin, skin cancer and several medical conditions.

So many people attempt to obtain vitamin D from ...
... various sources. Your age will determine how much vitamin D you need daily. The suggested amounts, in International units (IU), are

Birth to 12 months- 400 IU
Children aged 1 to 13- 600 IU
Teenagers aged 14 to 18- 600 IU
Adults aged 19 to 70- 600 IU
Women who are expecting or nursing- 600 IU
What Is The Deficiency Of Vitamin D?
The deficiency of vitamin D results in a lack of vitamin D in your body, which affects your bones and muscles. It primarily affects people over 65 and those with darker skin. It is, however, both treatable and preventable.

Vitamin D is needed for the proper operation of your body and the growth and preservation of your bones. Your immunological, musculoskeletal, and neurological systems also depend on vitamin D.

It is called the sunshine vitamin because the body creates it in response to pores and sunlight exposure. It is also clearly present in some meals, including fish, fish liver oil, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products.
Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms
You may be vitamin D deficient if you have symptoms like bone pain and muscle weakness. The signs and indications can be modest for many people. Low vitamin D levels can harm your health even if you have no symptoms. A lack of vitamin D in the body results in several problems, including
Symptoms In Children Who are Vitamin D Deficient
Bowed or bent bones that cause improper development patterns
Weakness in muscles
Bone pain
Imperfections in joints
Muscle weakness, soreness, and pain are additional symptoms of mild vitamin insufficiency in children.
Adults Who Are Vitamin D Deficient
Fatigue
Bone pain
Weakness, pains, or cramps in the muscles
Changes in mood and depression
Vitamin D Deficiency Causes
Age and the amount of melanin (pigment) on your skin are two examples of factors that may contribute to vitamin D deficiency. But these are the most typical causes of vitamin D deficiency:
Your diet does not provide enough vitamin D.
You do not consume enough food to absorb enough vitamin D. (a malabsorption problem).
Inadequate exposure to the sun.
The body cannot convert vitamin D to its active form through the liver or kidneys.
Some medications impact the capacity of your body to metabolise or absorb vitamin D.

Treatment Of Deficiency In Vitamin D
Getting more vitamin D through food and supplements is a treatment for vitamin D insufficiency. However, there is disagreement on the amount of vitamin D needed for optimal health. Depending on your age and your health, they can be different.

The Institute of Medicine's recommendations states that the RDA for vitamin D is 600 international units (IU) for people aged 1 to 70 and 800 IU for people over 70 to promote bone health. Additionally, the safe upper limit was increased to 4,000 IU. Doctors can also treat a vitamin D shortage by prescribing more than 4,000 IU.
Vitamin D Deficiency In Indians Is Common
Vitamin D is rarely added to regularly consumed foods like dairy products in India. Cultural and socio-religious norms prevent people from getting enough sun exposure and negate any possible advantages of a lot of sunshine. As a result, subclinical vitamin D deficiency is widespread across all socioeconomic and geographic groups in urban and rural settings.

The high frequency of rickets, osteoporosis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and infections like tuberculosis in India is significantly attributed to vitamin D.

According to a 2019 pan-Indian study, 70–90% of Indians lack vitamins from the sun. Deficiency can hurt adult bone health and neonatal and child bone development.

According to a diabetologist study, low vitamin D levels are frequently linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, vitamin D is a vital nutrient that your body requires to function properly. As a result, attempt to include vitamin D-rich natural foods in your diet or take supplements. Additionally, get enough sun exposure to lower your risk of vitamin D insufficiency.