New Delhi, Apr 13 (IBNS): Concerned over the alarming rise of insufficient Vitamin D in India, 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) here on Friday.
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.
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.