India’s Vitamin D Puzzle: Deficiency in the Land of Sunshine

When the UVB rays from the sun interact with the skin, it triggers the production of Vitamin D.

Despite abundant sunlight in India, the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency is more than 50% amongst Indians.

Several factors play a role:

1. Most of us are indoors between 10am- 3pm when the UV radiation from the sun is at its peak.

2. Indians have more of the pigment melanin in their skins, which offers protection against UV radiation and thereby reduces the synthesis of Vitamin D deficiency.

3. Vegetarians do not consume Vitamin D rich foods like egg yolks, fatty fish.

4. Air pollution blocks sunlight and prevents the UV rays from reaching the ground.

So, corrective measures need to be implemented to ensure normal levels of Vitamin D in our body since a deficiency can lead to fatigue, weakness, mental distress and poor bone and muscle health.