It is estimated that around 80 per cent of the Indian population has Vitamin D levels less than normal. However, the bigger concern is that the population at large is not even aware of Vitamin D deficiency and its consequences.
One of India’s leading diabetologist, Dr Banshi Saboo, Founder of Diabetes Foundation of India, said, “Earlier Vitamin D was thought to be responsible for maintaining calcium homeostasis to prevent osteoporosis and maintain bone health. But, in the past decade research has established the strong association of Vitamin D deficiency in diabetes, immunity, asthma, TB, high blood pressure, neuro-muscular function, etc.
Dr Saboo further added, “Low level of Vitamin D is associated with higher incidence of type 2 diabetes and correcting Vitamin D deficiency improves insulin sensitivity and helps in better management of hyperglycaemia. Also Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with high incidence of type 1 diabetes.”
As the mother is the sole source of vitamin D substrate for her developing foetus, vitamin D status is very important during pregnancy. Maternal deficiency of vitamin D is linked with abnormal foetal growth and gestational diabetes.
Sunscreen lotions, staying indoors, clothing habits, pollution and minimal exposure to direct sun light (during the period of 10 am to 3 pm) are the major reasons of such widespread deficiency in the Indian population.
The eminent endocrinologist from Mumbai, Dr Manoj Chadha said that Vitamin D deficiency has no defined signs or symptoms. “People who complain of back pains, unexplained muscle pains, general fatigue are the most likely to be Vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D deficiency can be easily corrected by Vitamin D supplementation or some lifestyle changes. In a Vitamin D deficient person, oral 60,000 I.U per week for 8 weeks followed by maintenance dose of 60,000 I.U per month is a reasonably safe method to correct the deficiency.”
Although there are few major studies carried out in India to determine the optimum (sufficient) levels of serum Vitamin D 25(OH) D to be maintained to prevent chronic ailments, globally there is a consensus that Vitamin D deficiency is defined as serum 25(OH) D levels less than 20 ng/ml and insufficiency as serum 25(OH) D less than 30 ng/ml. Whereas serum 25(OH) D levels above 30 ng/ml is found to be sufficient.
Given the fact that Vitamin D receptors are present in various organs and tissues of the human body, maintaining Vitamin D levels in blood above 30 ng/ml may ensure normal functioning of the body organs and protect many from the suffering from chronic ailments.
EH News Bureau