BY ZAHID AKHTAR
India is known for its bright sunshine, yet an increasing number of people are being found deficient in vitamin D. The apparent contradiction has become a growing public-health concern, particularly among women and pregnant women. Modern lifestyles, long hours indoors, limited exposure to sunlight and poor nutritional habits are among the factors believed to be contributing to the problem.
Vitamin D is commonly linked with healthy bones, but its role in the body goes beyond that. It helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, supports muscle function and contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system. For this reason, maintaining adequate levels is important throughout life.
Research from India suggests that the problem is widespread. An analysis of 97 studies found vitamin D deficiency in around 61 percent of people from different population groups. Other studies have reported particularly high levels of deficiency among women. One study in Delhi-NCR found low vitamin D levels in nearly 88 percent of women of reproductive age, while research from South India reported deficiency among both urban and rural women.
Women may face particular concerns at different stages of life. During adolescence and early adulthood, adequate vitamin D and calcium help build strong bones. The body’s nutritional needs change during pregnancy and breastfeeding, while after menopause, declining hormone levels can accelerate bone loss. Long-term vitamin D deficiency, especially when combined with inadequate calcium intake, may weaken bones and increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures later in life.
Pregnancy is another period when vitamin D becomes especially important. Studies from North India and Chennai have reported a high prevalence of deficiency among pregnant women. Vitamin D plays a role in maintaining calcium balance and supporting the development of the mother’s and baby’s bones. Some research has also found associations between low vitamin D levels and complications such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure during pregnancy, premature birth and low birth weight. However, these associations do not necessarily prove that vitamin D deficiency directly causes such problems.
The biggest question is why deficiency is so common in a country with abundant sunshine. The answer may lie in the way people now live. Many spend most of their day indoors at home, in schools, offices or vehicles. Clothing that covers much of the body, air pollution, weather conditions and other factors can also limit the skin’s production of vitamin D. Simply living in a sunny country, therefore, does not guarantee adequate vitamin D levels.
Food can help, although natural dietary sources are limited. Fatty fish, egg yolks, fish liver oil, fortified milk and dairy products and certain mushrooms can provide vitamin D. Calcium-rich foods such as milk, ragi, sesame seeds, leafy vegetables and pulses are also important for bone health. Supplements are not automatically necessary for everyone. Individual needs vary, and high doses taken without medical advice can be harmful. A balanced diet, regular physical activity, sensible sunlight exposure and medical guidance where needed remain the safest approach to protecting vitamin D and overall bone health.
