88% of Delhiites suffer from lack of Vitamin D: survey

According to the ASSOCHAM latest survey conducted in Delhi-NCR reveals that around 88% of the Delhi population has a Vitamin D level which is less than normal.

However, the bigger concern is that the population at large is not even aware of Vitamin D deficiency and its consequences.

A data analysis of over samples between the age group of 21 & 65 years from October 2017 to March 2018 of samples tested show insufficient Vitamin D presence, age group of 21-35 years showed maximum insufficiency of Vitamin D.

ASSOCHAM Healthcare Committee and its members, under CSR activities are organizing a series of free medical camps in Delhi with PSRI hospital, where comprehensive check-up and counselling made available to participants.

Around 55% of survey respondent fall under the age bracket of 20-29 years, followed by 30-39 years (26 per cent), 40-49 years (16 per cent), 50-60 years (2 per cent) and 60-80 years (approximately 1 per cent).

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone mineralization, leading to bone softening diseases as rickets in children and osteomalacia and osteoporosis in adults. Vitamin D deficiency can be easily corrected by Vitamin D supplementation or some lifestyle changes, said Dr H K Chopra, Co-Chairman of ASSOCHAM Healthcare Council.

Dr Chopra further said, insufficiency or non-exposure to sunlight, staying in air-conditioned rooms for long hours during the day could be the prime reason behind the deficiency.

The cases of patients suffering from Vitamin D deficiency have been steadily rising in India. Men, women and children are equally affected. Vitamin D is also found in certain foods which need to be included in the daily diets of the people. Foods high in Vitamin D are fish, beef liver, egg yolks. Vegetarians can consume almond milk, soy milk, orange juice, cereals and mushrooms, mentioned ASSOCHAM Committee Co-Chairman.

Dr Chopra pointed out, Vitamin D deficiency is defined as 25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL, insufficiency as 20–29 ng/mL and sufficiency as ≥30 ng/mL, noted the ASSOCHAM health council committee. Low vitamin D levels are widely known to harm bones, leading them to become thin, brittle, soft or misshapen. But Vitamin D is equally important for heart, brain, immune function and much more.