Unraveling the Paradox of Vitamin D Deficiency in India: Interplay of Lifestyle, Genetics, Fortification Strategies, and Public Health Policies
摘要
Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is a common public health problem despite India's abundant sunlight. VDD is increasing and is being observed in all age groups, causing several health problems such as bone health, immune dysfunction, cardiovascular health issues, mental health problems, and more. VDD is generally caused by nutritional, genetic, and environmental factors that directly or indirectly influence vitamin D levels in the human population. Dietary deficiencies remain a major concern, with most populations consuming vitamin D-deficient diets regardless of their resources; hardly anyone can take advantage of major fortification initiatives. Environmental factors such as air pollution, skin color, clothing habits, and lifestyle can make it difficult for individuals to produce vitamin D from sunlight. The genetic factor or vitamin D receptor (VDR), and metabolically related genes can influence their ability to process vitamin D effectively. These factors underscore the seriousness of VDD in India. All such circumstances warrant practical solutions, including public health literacy, a diversified diet, fortification efforts, and sunlight exposure. It is imperative to efficiently deal with such circumstances to prevent long-term health risks caused by chronic VDD in India. In this narrative review, we examine the major contributing factors, challenges, and practical solutions related to VDD in India.