Vitamin D Deficiency Is High In Kashmir, Study Finds Why

Everyone is susceptible to vitamin D deficiency, but a recent study found that the condition is very high in Kashmir, especially among women.

A study entitled “Assessment of Vitamin D Status in General Population of Kashmir Valley of Indian Subcontinent” reported that by measuring serum 25-hydroxyvitamin [25(OH)D] levels, vitamin D levels in Kashmir residents were evaluated. The study, published in the Healthline Journal, involved a total of 270 healthy volunteers (69 males, 18-65 years old, 201 non-pregnant/non-lactating females) from various occupations.

Vitamin D deficiency was found to be very high in the valley, especially among women.

“222 of his study participants (82.2 per cent) had vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 45 of 69 males and 177 of 201 females. According to a study, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency ranged from 58 per cent in the farmer group to 93 per cent in the employee group. In addition, subjects with vitamin D deficiency had significantly lower average weekly sun exposure," the study said.

Iqbal Saleem, a professor of surgery at the Government Medical College of Srinagar, told Kashmir Monitor that despite high levels of sunshine in the valley, patients report mild to moderate vitamin D deficiency.

Dr Saleem elaborates that while vitamin D deficiency is a less talked about topic, mild and moderate cases continue to occur. He says it's because of the lack of sunlight exposure and poor diet.

"In severe cases, the bones become brittle. He has a condition called osteoporosis, which makes the bones brittle and fracture easily. Such patients also report dizziness, lethargy, and loss of appetite," he said. As per him, people should rely not only on fruits and vegetables, but on adequate amounts of dairy products.

“Women should take a sachet of vitamin D (once a week) for 6 to 8 weeks, especially during the winter months. enough to cover deficiencies in women who have been identified as having the deficiency. Treatment is based on the amount of vitamin D in the serum that can be detected by laboratory tests," said Dr Saleem.