By Dr. Harikrishna MBBS (OSM), MS Ortho (NIMS) Arthroscopy (France)
Vitamin D, often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” is crucial for maintaining bone and joint health. Despite abundant sunlight in India, vitamin D deficiency has reached epidemic proportions, affecting children, adults, and the elderly alike. Recent research shows that 70–90% of Indians are vitamin D deficient, and this deficiency is directly linked to weak bones, frequent fractures, back pain, and joint disorders.
As an orthopedician, I frequently see patients with bone pain, delayed fracture healing, and early osteoporosis and even 2yr olds present with rickets, all strongly associated with low vitamin D levels.
What Is Vitamin D and Why Is It Important?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in:
- Calcium absorption in the gut
- Bone mineralisation and strength
- Muscle function
- Immunity and inflammation control
Without adequate vitamin D, bones become weak, brittle, and prone to fractures.
Why Are Indians at Higher Risk of Vitamin D Deficiency?
1. Limited Sun Exposure
Urban lifestyles keep people indoors during peak sunlight hours.
- Use of sunscreen and clothing that covers most of the body further reduces vitamin D synthesis.
2. Skin Pigmentation
Darker skin tones (common among Indians) require more sun exposure for adequate vitamin D production.
3. Dietary Deficiency
- Traditional Indian diets are often low in vitamin D–rich foods like fatty fish, eggs, and fortified dairy.
- Vegetarian diets, which are common in India, lack natural vitamin D sources.
4. Other Risk Factors
- Obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and aging increase deficiency risk.
- Women, especially after menopause, are more vulnerable.
Research Evidence
- A study in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism (2017) reported that 80% of urban Indians had vitamin D deficiency.
- Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology (2019) highlighted that vitamin D deficiency is a major contributor to osteoporosis and fracture risk in South Asia.
- Research shows low vitamin D is also linked with increased risk of falls, delayed fracture healing, and chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency
Many patients are asymptomatic until complications occur, but common warning signs include:
Bone pain (especially in legs, hips, and back)
- Muscle weakness
- Frequent fractures
- Fatigue
- Delayed wound or fracture healing
Long-Term Health Risks
If untreated, vitamin D deficiency can cause:
- Osteoporosis and brittle bones
- Rickets in children (soft bones, deformities)
- Osteomalacia in adults (weak, painful bones)
- Increased risk of fractures (hip, spine, wrist)
- Early arthritis and spine problems
Diagnosis
A simple blood test measuring 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels confirms deficiency.
- Deficiency: <20 ng/mL
- Insufficiency: 20–30 ng/mL
- Normal: >30 ng/mL
Treatment and Prevention
1. Sunlight Exposure
- 15–30 minutes of sun exposure (10 am–2 pm) to arms and legs, at least 3–4 times per week, helps boost vitamin D naturally.
2. Dietary Sources
- Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
- Egg yolks
- Fortified milk, cereals, and juices
- Mushrooms exposed to sunlight
3. Supplements
- Vitamin D3 supplements (cholecalciferol) are often required, especially in severe deficiency.
- Dosage varies depending on age, severity, and bone health status—always consult your doctor.
4. Bone Health in Orthopedic Care
- Patients with fractures, osteoporosis, and arthritis often require combined calcium and vitamin D therapy.
- Adequate vitamin D improves bone healing and reduces fracture recurrence.
Conclusion
Despite abundant sunshine, India faces a severe vitamin D deficiency crisis. This “hidden epidemic” is silently weakening bones and increasing the risk of fractures and arthritis among young and old alike.
The good news is that vitamin D deficiency is easily preventable and treatable. With timely diagnosis, sunlight exposure, dietary adjustments, and supplementation when necessary, we can protect our bones for life.
As an orthopedic surgeon, I strongly advise young adults, especially women, office workers, and the elderly, to get their vitamin D levels checked—because strong bones are the foundation of lifelong mobility and health.
About Dr. Harikrishna – Ayra Health Care, Hyderabad.
Dr. Harikrishna – Orthopedic & Arthroscopy Surgeon
Dr. Harikrishna is a highly skilled Orthopedic Surgeon and Arthroscopy Specialist, widely recognised as one of the best orthopedic doctors in Hyderabad. With advanced expertise in minimally invasive arthroscopy procedures, he helps patients recover faster and regain mobility with less pain. He is among the top arthroscopy surgeons in Hyderabad, with specialisation in fractures, arthritis, ligament injuries, meniscus tears, shoulder dislocations, back pain, joint pain, and sports injuries.
Known as a family-friendly orthopedician and a top-rated orthopedic specialist in Hyderabad, Dr. Harikrishna is dedicated to providing personalised care, offering both conservative and surgical treatments based on each patient’s needs. His patient-centred approach, combined with modern surgical techniques and early rehabilitation, ensures long-term joint health and a return to active living.
Why Choose Ayra Health Care? Experienced and top-rated doctors in Hyderabad. Family-friendly environment with personalised attention. Comprehensive care in General Medicine, Diabetes, and Orthopaedics. Focus on prevention, early diagnosis, and holistic management. Patient education and guidance for long-term wellness.
At Ayra Health Care, our mission is to provide advanced medical care with compassion, trust, and excellence. Whether you are seeking a general physician in Hyderabad for overall health, diabetes, or infections, or a top orthopedic doctor in Hyderabad for bone and joint problems, our doctors are here to support you at every step.
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