India’s sunshine paradox: Mumbai doctors reveal why Vitamin D deficiency remains a concern

Feeling tired even after getting enough sleep experiencing frequent muscle cramps noticing increased hair fall or having persistent bone and back pain These symptoms may be associated with vitamin D deficiency and should not be ignored The best source of this valuable vitamin is natural sunlight Despite abundant sunshine in Navi Mumbai and across India low vitamin D levels are more common among people than you thinkVitamin D often called the sunshine vitamin enables the body to absorb calcium supports healthy bones and muscles and also contributes to normal immune function However deficiency can occur if the body is unable to produce or receive enough of itThis affects children and adults but Mumbai health experts say you can prevent and manage itDr Taarini Johar consultant spine surgeon UMC Hospitals in Navi Mumbai says ldquoCurrently a large number of Indians work in offices tend to leave home early in the morning and return after sunset They spend around 912 hours in offices and also remain indoors Still a majority of women in India are homemakers with very little outdoor activity Many people have the fear of getting tanned and may avoid exposure to sunlight overall The stigma of lsquodark skinrsquo runs deep Extreme temperatures can be the reason Understand that excessive heat can also discourage people from spending time outdoors and this can mainly happen during summers Children are unable to play outside and get enough exposure to sunlight due to school hours tuition classes indoor activities and screen time People with darker skin tones or higher body fat may need more time in the sun because melanin or fat tissue affects absorption Moreover know that even fullcoverage clothing can limit the skin exposed to sunlightrdquo Dr Srisanat Rao orthopedic and joint replacement surgeon at Zynova Shalby Hospital in Mumbai adds Vitamin D deficiency is commonly seen in a large number of Indians In a month 6 out of 10 patients aged 2065 are reporting symptoms such as fatigue muscle weakness bone pain and frequent cramps due to vitamin D deficiency The causes can be attributed to indoor lifestyles limited outdoor activity Timely testing and supplementation will be crucial for the patients to manage the deficiency It is imperative for everyone to get enough sunlight in the morning take supplements as per the doctorrsquos advice exercise daily and have fatty fish egg yolks and fortified milk in the diet to prevent vitamin D deficiency Having adequate vitamin D levels and supporting longterm bone and muscle healthrdquoHow does vitamin D deficiency affect children and adultsDr Johar shares ldquoIn children if vitamin D deficiency is not tackled at the right time then the child can be at risk of rickets a condition that impacts bone development and causes joint pain bone deformities delayed growth and even muscle weakness Having the recommended levels of vitamin D is necessary for children during their period of growth When talking about adults understand that vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteomalacia which means softening of the bones bone pain and muscle weakness If the deficiency remains unaddressed for a long time then it can also lead to poor bone health and fractures Other symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can be depression fatigue low mood hair loss back pain muscle cramps difficulty climbing stairs slower wound healing and frequent infectionsImportant tips to prevent and tackle vitamin D deficiencyldquoVitamin D deficiency is often preventable and treatable Spend about 10 to 15 minutes in the sun a few times a week Expose your bare arms legs or face without sunscreen for a short time since sunscreen blocks the UVB rays your skin needs Aim for early morning or late afternoon when the sun is less harsh and avoid burning Get sunlight in the morning A good tip is to wear comfortable loose clothing that can be adjusted or folded over to expose more skin to sunlight If deficiency is suspected in an individual then the doctor will recommend a blood test to measure 25hydroxyvitamin D levels along with a few more tests Vitamin D deficiency can be managed with supplements injectableoral solutionstablets capsules and proper guidance It is of utmost importance to note that Vitamin D supplements should never be taken without medical advice as excessive intake can be toxic So the right treatment dosage and duration will be decided by the doctor Vitamin D deficiency is preventable and treatable in children and adults Hence stay vigilant and take care of yourselfrdquo concludes Dr Johar