Summary:
In a recent survey, it was seen that about 8 in 10 people in Delhi suffer from Vitamin D deficiency, which causes chronic muscle pain, spasms, low energy levels, and depression, an ASSOCHAM Healthcare Committee report revealed.
According to the ASSOCHAM, around 88% percent of Delhi`s population has a Vitamin D level, which is less than normal. Though, the larger concern is that the major population is not even aware of the deficiency and its consequences.
As per Dr H K Chopra, Co-Chairman of the ASSOCHAM Healthcare Council, Vitamin D deficiency can be seen when 25-hydroxyvitamin D or 25(OH) D is less than 20 Nanogram/milliliter (ng/mL), insufficiency as between 20-29 ng/mL and sufficiency as 25 (OH) D more than 30 ng/mL.
If not taken care of, Vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone mineralisation, leading to bone softening diseases as rickets in children and osteomalacia and osteoporosis in adults.
The number of cases of patients who suffer from Vitamin D deficiency have been increasing at a steady pace 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, such as fish, beef liver and egg yolks.
You can cope up with Vitamin D deficiency by adopting minor changes
Foods that provide vitamin D include:
· Fatty fish, like tuna, mackerel, and salmon
· Foods fortified with vitamin D, like some dairy products, orange juice, soy milk, and cereals
· Beef liver
· Cheese
· Egg yolks