Increasing Cases of Vitamin D Deficiency: Urban Living and Lack of Sunlight to Blame

Ranchi: Doctors are reporting a rise in the number of persons suffering from Vitamin D deficiency. Medical experts attribute the trend to reduced sunlight exposure due to the sedentary lives spent mostly indoors in urban spaces, which limits the body’s natural synthesis of the vitamin.

The onset of winter would likely worsen the numbers.Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immunity, and overall well-being.Dr Gagan Gunjan of the emergency department with the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (Rims), said, “Limited sunlight exposure increases the risk of deficiency, often without patients realising it. Simple lifestyle changes, including daily sunlight exposure, a balanced diet, and supplements as needed, can help.

Five out of every 10 patients, who arrive at the hospital on a daily basis, are diagnosed with Vitamin D deficiency.

”Consultant orthopaedist at Bhagwan Mahavir Manipal Hospitals, Dr Abhinav Mishra, said, “We have seen a surge in patients with Vitamin D deficiency over the past few years. Many arrive with symptoms like persistent body ache, joint pain, or muscle pain.”Vice-president of the Indian Medical Association, Dr Abhishek K Ramadhin, said, “Around 40% of the people we see daily suffer from vitamin deficiencies. Symptoms are often subtle and can be misdiagnosed. Excessive use of antibiotics can also lead to Vitamin B12 deficiencies as antibiotics affect the gut bacteria responsible for producing this vitamin.”