Around 33 million students will return to schools, which will hold classes on Saturdays until further notice
world1 hour ago
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
Around 33 million students will return to schools, which will hold classes on Saturdays until further notice
world1 hour ago
This came after Netanyahu's government announced the closure order for an initial period of 45 days
mena1 hour ago
Maximising benefits and unlocking strategies
business1 hour ago
Campbell's decision to depart the franchise in June 2022 stemmed from feeling inadequately compensated for reprising her role as Sidney Prescott in the sixth instalment
entertainment1 hour ago
Dubai developer Aark unveils Dh4 billion project on Al Marjan Island
business1 hour ago
It's a carefully orchestrated affair with its own set of rules
entertainment1 hour ago
Not removing the previous tag could lead to charges or even fines
uae1 hour ago
The country narrowly averted default last summer, and its $350 billion economy has stabilised after the completion of the last IMF programme
economy1 hour ago