Vitamin D deficiency can be a silent killer

Dubai - Lack of sun exposure could lead to lifelong complications

Common misconceptions and negligence surrounding vitamin D deficiencies are a huge health risk on the population, warn UAE doctors, as a lack of sun exposure could lead to lifelong complications, including kidney, liver and heart diseases.
Dr Jimmy Joseph, Internal Medicine specialist at Universal Hospital, said the most common vitamin deficiency found in patients in the UAE is that of vitamin D. "A huge number of people in the country lack the right amount of sun exposure needed, and modern lifestyles play a big part in this."
"Most people travel by cars; you don't often see a lot of people walking outside. Children too stay indoors, playing games on their iPads rather than frolicking outside."
According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), up to 90 per cent of UAE residents suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Dr Joseph said the deficiency not only causes fatigue, muscle weakness and pain in the bones, but also triggers deadly diseases.
"Vitamin D deficiency is a contributing factor to diabetes, kidney and liver disease, hypertension and heart disease."
The deficiency also aids asthma symptoms and wheezing, as well as depression, schizophrenia, cognitive imperative and memory loss.
Dr Joseph added that he receives at least five patients each day with symptoms. "Many organs are affected by this deficiency - that's something that people must take seriously."
"A lot of patients feel their arms getting weak, sore and tired after just washing dishes, which is a sign of the deficiency." Vitamin D is crucial as it helps with calcium absorption, and calcium is the building block human bones.
"When you have weak bones and suffer a trivial fall, you may have a fracture, because the bones are fragile, weak and easily breakable."
Dr Anita Das Gupta, clinical dietician and head of department, Burjeel Hospital, said although it is important to protect skin with sunblock, it is equally important to leave the skin without sunscreen for a short period of time. "Sunscreen prevents the absorption of Vitamin D."
She added that besides spending time outside and taking supplements prescribed by the doctor, some foods are also fortified with vitamin D, like milk, yogurt and cereals.
"Salmon and sardines also have vitamin D, as well as nuts, egg yolk and mushrooms. Having a healthy balanced diet, filled with the nutrients and from all food groups is the best way to ensure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals your body needs," Dr Das Gupta added.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com