Vitamin ‘D’ Deficiency

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in bone health, immunity, and overall metabolism . It is unique because it can be synthesized by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight .

  • Prevalence : One in five Indians is Vitamin D deficient.

Health Impacts

  • Causes musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and weakened immunity .
  • Leads to hip fractures , which cost ₹50,000 (public hospitals) to ₹2.5 lakh (private hospitals).

Economic Consequences

  • Healthcare costs due to deficiency-related conditions.
  • Productivity loss due to increased absenteeism and reduced efficiency.
  • Potential GDP impact: ₹27,720 crore annually.

Sources of Vitamin D

Natural Sources:

  • Sunlight (UVB rays trigger Vitamin D synthesis in the skin)
  • Fatty fish (Salmon, Mackerel, Tuna)
  • Egg yolks
  • Cod liver oil

Fortified Foods:

  • Fortified milk and dairy products
  • Fortified cereals and orange juice

Government Initiatives

  • Proposed Scheme : Vitamin D Kuposhan Mukt Bharat (aligned with Ayushman Bharat).
  • Possible strategies :
    • Lowering costs of Vitamin D testing and treatment.
    • Using ICMR-NIN’s ‘Diet and Biomarkers Survey (DABS-I)’ for targeted interventions.
    • Fortification of wheat flour with Vitamin D (like Jordan’s model).
    • Public-private partnerships for fortification and supplements.

Global Examples

  • Jordan : National Wheat Flour Fortification with Vitamin D.
  • Ethiopia : Partnership with GAIN to supply Vitamin D premixes to children.

Challenges in Implementation

  • Awareness and accessibility issues.
  • Financial burden on underprivileged sections.
  • Coordination between Centre and States for effective execution.

Way Forward

  • Multi-stakeholder collaboration (government, private sector, international organizations).
  • Education and awareness campaigns using traditional and social media.
  • Budget allocation for research in advanced fortification technologies.

Prelims Practice Questions

1. Which of the following factors contribute to Vitamin D deficiency in India?
  1. Low dietary intake
  2. Reduced sunlight exposure
  3. Genetic factors
  4. All of the above
2. Which international initiative focuses on Vitamin D fortification?
  1. GAIN (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition)
  2. WHO’s Nutrition for Health Program
  3. FAO’s Global Food Security Initiative
  4. None of the above

Mains Practice Questions

  • Evaluate the role of food fortification in tackling micronutrient deficiencies in India. How can the government ensure effective implementation of such programs?