Watch your Vitamin D

Dr Maninder Singh

More than two months of physical inactivity, thanks to the lockdown, has affected the overall health and fitness of people. Staying indoors would have particularly depleted the Vitamin D levels, which could worsen our bone health in the long run. The prolonged inactivity may have resulted in the de-conditioning of bones and muscles, thereby enhancing the effects of Vitamin D deficiency. Also, according to some recent studies, lower vitamin D increases the chances of respiratory infections and other diseases as well.

Exposure to the sun, which was restricted during the lockdown, allows our body to synthesise more Vitamin D, which helps us absorb nutrients such as calcium and phosphorus. These nutrients are key to healthy bones and muscles. The Vitamin D deficiency can lead to the loss of bone density, which can cause osteoporosis and fractures in adults and rickets among children. Compared to men, women are more susceptible to osteoporosis and other bone diseases, especially those above 50 face a greater risk. Inadequate diet could also lead to osteoporosis. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium from dietary and supplementary sources.

Coronavirus may cause pneumonia-like symptoms in some of the infected persons, and their poor lung condition may aggravate it. Treating Vitamin D deficiency may help reduce the chances of lung infection and incidence of exacerbation in COPD and asthma patients. Vitamin D is also known to increase neuromuscular and immune function, and reduce inflammation; hence, COPD, a form of lung inflammation, could possibly be treated with the improved Vitamin D levels. Vitamin D supplementation, however, must be taken only on the advice of a doctor, as overdose can lead to serious side effects.

Who are at risk?

• Older adults: As they age, skin loses the ability to synthesise Vitamin D efficiently. Besides, they are likely to spend more time indoors, hence have inadequate intakes of the vitamin.
• Breastfed infants: Vitamin D requirements cannot be met by mother’s milk alone as the vitamin content in her milk is linked to her own vitamin D status.
• People with limited sun exposure or those with more melanin: Dark skinned people or those who cover themselves extensively may suffer from vitamin D deficiency and, therefore, may have the extra risk of developing COPD in polluted environment.

It is important to ensure regular exposure to the sun, taking all necessary precautions of social distancing and hand hygiene. It is not necessary to be exposed to the sunlight directly, just being outdoors is good enough, especially during the summer. If you are among the risk groups, get tested for Vitamin D levels. If deficient, replenish your levels as per the advice of your doctor.

— The writer is a senior orthopaedic, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi