4 minutes agoAuthor: Gaurav Tiwari
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Vitamin D is the only vitamin that our body can make on its own. For this, we only need sunlight. Just like plants make food for themselves by photosynthesis in sunlight, our body also makes vitamin D for itself.
But the surprising thing is that despite getting sunlight for free, about half of the world’s population is suffering from vitamin D deficiency. The situation is even more serious in our country. According to a study by Tata 1 mg Lab, about 76% of people in India are suffering from vitamin D deficiency. This means that 3 out of every 4 people have vitamin D deficiency in their body.
If we look at the geographical location of India, the Tropic of Cancer passes through the middle of our country. This means that our country gets surplus sunlight throughout the year. In such a situation, such a large number of Indians are found to be deficient in Vitamin D, which raises the question, what is the reason behind this deficiency?
Today ‘health report‘ We will know why vitamin D is so important and what are the reasons behind vitamin D deficiency? Along with this, we will know that-
- What are the signs of Vitamin D deficiency?
- What is the situation regarding Vitamin D in India?
- For what reasons is it decreasing?
- What needs to be done to fulfil this?
Before moving ahead in the article, let us know what kind of signals our body gives when there is a deficiency of Vitamin D.
The graph of diseases may increase in India
Vitamin D has as many responsibilities in our body as an elderly head of the family has. This is one of the basic needs of our body. Before moving ahead, see the graphic below to see how many functions Vitamin D performs in the body-
According to Harvard Medical School, vitamin D is responsible for more than 200 small and big functions in our body. According to a 2019 study by Stanford Medical School, vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of fatal diseases by 18%. In such a situation, such a huge deficiency in India can increase the graph of diseases in the coming times.
Which are the cities in India with the highest Vitamin D deficient population? Let’s see in the graphic.
Vitamin D is the support of old age
Vitamin D is very important for a healthy body and strong bones. Vitamin D is the real support of our old age. It takes care of us like a doctor. Many times we do not even know that there is a deficiency of something in our body and why it is happening.
Let us understand why Vitamin D deficiency occurs.
According to a research by Harvard Medical School, there are a total of 9 factors due to which there can be deficiency of Vitamin D in our body.
effect of geographical location
Those parts of the earth which do not receive direct sunlight receive less UVB rays. Our body produces vitamin D with the help of these rays. This is the reason why people in cold countries have to take vitamin D supplements.
Air pollution is causing vitamin D deficiency
The smoke of vehicles running day and night on the roads, smoke from factories and industries are the causes of air pollution. This increases carbon particles in the air. These absorb the UVB rays coming with the sunlight. Some UVB rays are absorbed by the ozone layer. If we live in a polluted area, then there is a high possibility that we may be suffering from vitamin D deficiency.
Applying sunscreen can cause vitamin D deficiency
Sunscreen blocks UV rays to protect us from sunburn. But along with this, UVB rays are also blocked. This can cause vitamin D deficiency.
Dark skin needs more sunlight to make vitamin D
The more melanin our skin has, the darker our skin is. Melanin protects the skin from UV rays. This is why people with dark skin need more sunlight exposure to produce vitamin D.
Skin temperature is also responsible for vitamin D production
Warm skin is more efficient at making vitamin D than cold skin. That’s why our skin makes more vitamin D during summers.
Excess weight can cause vitamin D deficiency
According to a study by Harvard Medicine School, fat tissues absorb vitamin D so that the body can use it when there is a deficiency of vitamin D. However, the same study also revealed that overweight people have a deficiency of vitamin D because the fat stored in the body absorbs vitamin D.
The skin’s ability to produce vitamin D decreases with age
As we age, our body lacks the substances that help the skin produce vitamin D. This is why older people often suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Doctors recommend taking supplements to make up for this deficiency.
Gut health has a direct connection with the absorption of vitamin D
Whatever vitamin D we take in the form of food or supplements, it gets absorbed in the gut. Our stomach juice, bile juice, intestinal walls, all together absorb vitamin D. If any of these people is unwell or has any disease, then even after taking vitamin D supplements, it will not get absorbed in the body.
There is also a connection between liver and kidney health
The health of the liver and kidneys also has a direct connection with the absorption of vitamin D. If the liver is sick, the production of bile juice will be affected, which is necessary for the absorption of vitamin D. Whereas the kidney activates vitamin D. If vitamin D is not activated then it is of no use to our body. Therefore, vitamin D deficiency also occurs due to kidney disease.
How to make up for the lack of
According to a study published in the ‘Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism’, Indians need 1 hour of sunlight every day to maintain normal levels of vitamin D. If we stay in the sun for 1 hour during the afternoon, then the level of vitamin D can be maintained.
Here it is also important to keep in mind that the part of our skin that comes in direct contact with sunlight produces that much vitamin D. There is no benefit in sitting in the sun wearing clothes.
However, avoid going out in the afternoon sun during the summer season. Right now the morning sun is sufficient. This deficiency can also be met by eating fortified cereals, milk, cheese, mushrooms, eggs and fish etc. in the summer.
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