Srinagar, May 4: Fahmida Jan is a vibrant woman whose days were often clouded by fatigue and persistent muscle pain. Despite the lush greenery outside her window and plenty of sunlight, she found herself trapped indoors.
As her symptoms persisted and worsened, she sought medical advice. A simple blood test revealed surprising results. Her vitamin D levels were very low.
At first I was confused by this diagnosis, but I soon learned that vitamin D is important for bone health, immune function, and overall health. She learned that factors such as conservative cultural practices, restrictions on outdoor activities, and inadequate food sources contribute to deficiencies.
Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in Kashmir, especially among women, due to insufficient exposure to sunlight and lack of vitamin D-rich foods.
According to a study, vitamin D deficiency is particularly common in Kashmir, especially among women, due to insufficient sunlight exposure and lack of vitamin D-rich foods in the diet.
The study titled “Assessment of vitamin D status in the general population of the Indian subcontinent Kashmir Valley” investigated vitamin D levels in the Kashmiri population by measuring serum 25-hydroxyvitamin. [25(OH)D] level.
The study found that vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in the valley, especially among women.
“222 (82.2%) of the people surveyed were found to be vitamin D deficient. 45 out of 69 men and 177 out of 201 women were found to be deficient in vitamin D. , ranging from 58% in the farmer group to 93% in the employee group. Additionally, subjects with vitamin D deficiency had significantly lower average weekly exposure to sunlight,” the study reads.
Many factors can cause vitamin D deficiency, including insufficient exposure to sunlight and a lack of vitamin D-rich foods in the diet. Other reasons could be that the kidneys are unable to convert vitamin D into its active form, or that the gastrointestinal tract is unable to properly absorb the nutrient, experts say.
Physician Dr. Mohammad Shafi said the early and most common symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include fatigue, insomnia, hair loss, loss of appetite, and bone aches and pains.
He said changes in dietary habits and an indoor lifestyle with insufficient sunlight exposure are leading to a sharp increase in vitamin D deficiency.
“Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D. People with vitamin D deficiency should consume fish, red meat, liver, and egg yolks,” says the doctor.
According to experts, human skin contains a type of cholesterol that acts as a precursor to vitamin D, which is converted to vitamin D when exposed to UV-B radiation from the sun.
“Unplanned pregnancy in women with dietary deficiencies can lead to worsened vitamin D status of both mother and child,” the doctor added.
