14 Jun 2023|Noida | Amity University, Noida
“60-97% of Vitamin D deficiency found in Indians”, avers Maj Gen (Dr) R K Marwaha, former Additional Director, Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (INMAS), DRDO, during a Guest lecture at Amity
Amity Science Technology and Innovation Foundation, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, organized a Guest Lecture on the topic “State of Vitamin D deficiency Disorder in India and Measures to Deal with Public Health Problem” by Maj Gen (Dr) R K Marwaha, former Additional Director, Senior Consultant & Head, Department of Endocrinology and Thyroid Research Centre, Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (INMAS), DRDO, Ministry of Defence.
Delivering his talk on “State of Vitamin “D” Deficiency Disorder in India and Measures to Deal with Public Health Problem”, Maj Gen (Dr) R.K Marwaha, averred, “Vitamin D maintains blood calcium level in normal range, which is vital for normal functioning of nervous system, bone growth and achieving peak bone density and poor bone health is responsible for 8.9 million fractures annually worldwide. Epidemiological studies from across the country reveal a very high prevalence, i.e., 60-97% of Vitamin D deficiency in Indians of all age groups and both genders. It has emerged as a major public health problem which requires immediate attention. Some of the important causes of vitamin D Deficiency include advanced age, dark skin, usage of sunscreen, season, geographical location, occupational (staying indoors) and pollution. In children and adolescents, Vitamin D deficiency causes poor growth velocity, rickets, short stature and low bone mass, whereas, in adults and aged people, it causes muscle pain and fatigue, osteoporosis. Lack of Vitamin D also increases the chances of heart attack, hypertension, type-1 diabetes, cancers such as pancreatic cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer.”
Highlighting the sources of Vitamin D, Dr. Marwaha stated, “Sunlight is best natural source of Vitamin D, other sources being dietary sources such as fatty fish, liver, eggs, margarines, and milk products. However, it is difficult to get the daily source of Vitamin D from the sun and diet since the best time to soak yourself in the sun is between 10 am to 3 pm but most of the people are busy at their workplaces during this time. Also, there is a lack of Vitamin D fortified foods in India, which leads to unavailability of Vitamin D rich foods.
“Consumption of foods rich in Vitamin D, sunlight, supplementation and fortification are some important remedies for overcoming the problem of Vitamin D deficiency, in adults and children alike. High doses of Vitamin D supplements along with maintenance therapy are given to the patients with severe Vitamin D deficiency.”, added Dr. Marwaha.
Highlighting the significance of the Guest Lecture, Dr. W. Selvamurthy, President Amity Science Technology and Innovation Foundation, stated, “Vitamin D plays critical role in the proper functioning of human body, including bone health, immunity and protection against several chronic conditions. However, today Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide. Therefore, today’s Guest Lecture by Maj Gen (Dr) R K Marwaha would be of immense benefit to everyone to understand prevention, therapeutic and remedy for causes due to deficiency of Vitamin D and also to know the role of Vitamin D in the treatment of skeletal disorders and associated health problems like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorder.”
The lecture concluded with a Round Table Discussion, wherein the researchers of Amity asked their questions and received insightful information from Dr. Marwaha.