How to treat Vitamin D deficiency in sun-drenched India - guidelines

Abstract

Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium and mineral metabolism. It is astonishing to find vitamin D deficiency in sun drenched country like India. This could probably due to modernisation of India-mechanization, urbanization, change in life style, dress code and revision of vitamin D adequacy range. India has the unique problem of twin nutrient deficiency- vitamin D and calcium. Low calcium in the diet coupled with vitamin D deficiency has adverse consequences in the skeletal health. Any vitamin D schedule to treat/supplement should be accompanied by adequate calcium in the diet/supplementation. There are many international guide lines for vitamin D supplementation. This review aims at highlighting the vitamin D supplementation schedule suitable in Indian context keeping in mind the cost and compliance. Studies in south India using in vitro ampoule mode with 7-dehyrocholestrol has shown adequate formation of active form of vitamin D from mid-day sun. Time of the day, latitude, and increased skin pigmentation all influence the cutaneous production of vitamin D. Exposing 12%-18% of body surface area to unprotected sunlight for 30-45 mins is equivalent to taking 600-1000 IU of vitamin D which is the dose recommended by experts for fortification of food. Vitamin D synthesized in the skin last twice as long. We as human can get Vitamin D from abundant sunshine. There are various food fortification schedules suggested. The major source of vitamin D for both children and adults is unprotected sun exposure. In the absence of sun exposure adequate amount of vitamin D from dietary sources and supplementation is a must to satisfy body's requirement. In India, adequate amount of vitamin D should be accompanied by dietary/supplemental calcium to achieve desired skeletal benefits.

Keywords

• calcium deficiency
• india
• vitamin d deficiency