About 88% of Delhiites suffer from lack of Vitamin D: Survey

Team L&M

The cases of patients suffering from Vitamin D deficiency have been steadily rising in India. Men, women and children are equally affected, irrespective of the age, religion, caste, creed or colour.

The latest survey conducted by ASSOCHAM in Delhi-NCR reveals that around 88 per cent of the Delhi population has low levels of Vitamin D. What is more worrisome is the fact that people at large are not even aware of this deficiency and its harmful consequences.

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to poor bone mineralization, resulting in bone softening diseases as rickets in children and osteomalacia and osteoporosis in adults. Other effects include chronic muscle pain, spasms, low energy levels and depression.

“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,” says the study.

The ASSOCHAM Healthcare Committee report also says that about 85 per cent of Vitamin D deficiency is related to insufficiency or non-exposure to sunlight due to staying in air-conditioned rooms for long hours.

The good news is this deficiency can be corrected by Vitamin D supplementation or some lifestyle changes. Plus foods that are rich in Vitamin D like fish, beef liver, egg yolks, almond milk, soy milk, orange juice, cereals and mushrooms, should be included in daily diet.

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