MANGALURU: About 8 in 10 people in Delhi suffer from
Vitamin D deficiency which causes chronic muscle pain, spasms, low energy levels, depression etc, according to
ASSOCHAM Healthcare Committee report brought out by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).
According to the
ASSOCHAM latest survey conducted in Delhi-NCR, 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 samples between the age group of 21 and 65 years from October 2017 to March 2018 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 will be 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, Dr Chopra said.
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.
