Source: www .thehindu.com
Gurugram hospital survey reveals majority of its women patients have insufficient levels of vitamin D Around 76% of women visiting Paras Hospital over the past one year are found to have inadequate levels of vitamin D, highlighting an oft-neglected but major health concern among women in urban India. The results of the survey were announced by the hospital to coincide with International Women’s Day, with an intent to raise awareness. The survey took into account the Vitamin D tests of around 2,000 women in the city. “Our survey showed that 1,676 out of 2,201 women in the age group of 24 to 91 years had inadequate vitamin D levels.” Urban women at risk
“Apart from this, 241 out of 297 girls between 1 to 24 years of age were also found to have lower levels of vitamin D. Though the sample size we analysed was relatively small, it points to a prevalent pattern. In fact, doctors around the country have in recent years been talking about this problem, which is especially rampant among urban women,” said Dr. Neeraj Bishnoi, Facility Director of Paras Hospitals in Gurugram.
Vitamin D is not just critical for good bone and teeth health, it also plays a critical function in regulating a series of mechanisms in the body. Vitamin D deficiency can be linked to several health problems including heart disease, depression and in some cases even cancer. “Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium to enable normal mineralisation in the bones. Without sufficient vitamin D, bones become thin and brittle. Together with calcium, vitamin D protects women from osteoporosis,” said Dr. Nupur Gupta, senior consultant, gynecology, Paras Hospitals. Vitamin D is somewhat different than other vitamins because our body makes most of our Vitamin D on its own, rather than solely relying on food sources. It impacts not only our skeletal structure, but also our blood pressure, immunity, mood, brain function, and ability to protect ourselves from cancer. Sunscreen, while necessary to protect the skin, stops the sking from directly being exposed to the sun, which was what aids in the production of vitamin D. “One must strike a balance… you only need about 10-15 minutes of sunshine about three times a week for your body to produce enough vitamin D,” said Dr. Gupta
