75% women are Vitamin D deficient

Around 75-80 per cent women in India are suffering from Vitamin D deficiency, a recent survey revealed. The four-year long pan-India survey, which was done by SRL Diagnostics suggested that the cases are more severe in south zone where approximately 81 per cent of women were found to have inadequate Vitamin D levels in their blood. 

Low Vitamin D levels are widely known to harm bones; leading them to become thin, brittle, soft and susceptible to fracture. Myriad research studies have shown that Vitamin D is important for reducing hypertension, atherosclerotic heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Women seem to have a harder time stimulating the mechanism that builds bone tissue when their estrogen levels are reduced post menopause.

Dr Deepa Dave, Director-Operations, SRL Labs said, “Vitamin D deficiency is a silent disease. People may present with chronic muscle pains, spasms, low energy levels, depression, mood swings, irregular sweating, and sleep irregularities. A blood test to acertain Vitamin D levels is important. To improve levels, Vitamin D supplement, or in case of very low count, injections, can be prescribed.”

Cultural and social taboos often dictate lifestyle patterns such as clothing—that may limit sun exposure, and vegetarianism—which limits Vitamin D rich dietary options. Indian women, particularly in rural India, following ‘pardah’ and ‘burqa’ system spend most of their time indoor and have their body and face covered, preventing adequate sun exposure. 

Women from urban areas, who use sunscreen lotions are also at risk. As per available data, all over India, nutritional deficiency including Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in pregnant women and lactating mothers.