NEW DELHI: Low levels of Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, remains a major concern for women’s health, experts warned on Saturday.
Vitamin D is essential for bone health and helps prevent diseases such as osteoporosis and arthritis, which are particularly prevalent in women.
Osteoporosis, characterized by weak and brittle bones, is often caused by a deficiency of Vitamin D. It is not uncommon for people to rely solely on calcium supplements to maintain bone health, ignoring the important role of Vitamin D in calcium absorption.
“We often come across women with bone problems associated with low Vitamin D levels. This essential nutrient is required for absorbing calcium which keeps bones strong. Unfortunately, many women do not get enough Vitamin D, putting them at increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures,” Akhilesh Yadav, Associate Director, Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement, Max Hospital, Vaishali, told IANS.
Bone development, bone repair, and muscle function all depend on vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency in women can be caused by several factors, including an age-related decline in the skin’s ability to synthesize vitamin D and insufficient exposure to sunlight.
“Maintaining adequate levels of Vitamin D is paramount for optimal bone health but remains a pressing concern, especially among women. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to serious health consequences and osteoporosis is a major concern especially among post-menopausal women due to hormonal changes,” Sagar Hinglajja, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Viral Amin General Hospital, Vadodara, told IANS.
Vitamin D acts as a transporter, facilitating the transport of calcium from the intestine to the bones. Insufficient vitamin D levels impair calcium absorption, making calcium supplements ineffective in preventing osteoporosis.
“Regular monitoring of vitamin D levels is crucial, especially for women above 40 years of age, who are at high risk of developing osteoporosis. Persistent low vitamin D levels require intervention, often in the form of prescription of supplements tailored to individual needs. However, indiscriminate consumption of supplements without medical guidance may result in side effects, hence highlighting the importance of seeking expert advice,” Hingladia said.
To ensure you get enough vitamin D, experts recommend balancing sun exposure with skin protection by getting 10 to 30 minutes of midday sunlight a few times a week through activities like brisk walking or gardening.
Contrary to popular belief, Hinglajja said the best source of vitamin D is not gentle morning or evening sunlight, “but rather midday sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.”
“But lifestyle choices and misconceptions mean that many people don’t take advantage of this golden window for vitamin D synthesis,” he said. Eating foods rich in vitamin D, such as oily fish, fortified dairy products, mushrooms and eggs, may also help.
“If you have limited exposure to sunlight or get vitamin D from your diet, consider taking a vitamin D supplement and consult your doctor for the appropriate dose. Have your vitamin D levels tested regularly, especially if you are at risk of deficiency,” Yadav said.
Source- IANS
