80-90% women in India suffer from Vitamin D deficiency, know the symptoms and easy measures for prevention.

New Delhi: India is considered a country full of sunshine, but despite this, Vitamin D deficiency has become a major health problem, especially among women. According to many research reports, about 80–90 percent of the women in the country are suffering from Vitamin D deficiency, which can become the cause of serious diseases in the future.

According to experts, the biggest reasons for this deficiency in women are spending less time in the sun, wearing clothes that cover the body completely and lack of foods rich in Vitamin D in the diet. Often its initial symptoms are ignored, which later affect bones, immunity and mental health.

What should be the correct level of Vitamin D in the body?

As per health standards, when the level of Vitamin D in the body falls below 20 ng/mL, it is considered deficient. At the same time, a level below 12 ng/mL indicates a serious condition and requires immediate treatment. Levels of 30 ng/mL or more are considered normal and safe.

The biggest symptom of Vitamin D deficiency in women

pain in bones and joints

Persistent deep pain in the back, waist, hips, legs or ribs can be a sign of vitamin D deficiency. Due to its deficiency, bones become weak and soft, which is called osteomalacia. The risk of bone fracture increases in women after menopause. Often this pain is considered to be an effect of aging, whereas the real cause is deficiency of calcium and vitamin D.

mood swings and sleep problems

Vitamin D helps in balancing the happy hormone serotonin in the brain. Its deficiency can cause irritability, sadness, nervousness and lack of concentration. Along with this, insomnia or frequent sleep disturbances also become a common problem. Less exposure to sunlight, night shifts and pollution make this condition more serious.

Weak immunity and late recovery

Frequent cold, cough or flu and delayed recovery from illness are signs of weak immunity. Delayed wound healing may also be associated with vitamin D deficiency. Women who are deficient in it also have an increased risk of bone-related problems in their children.

Other signs of vitamin D deficiency

Excessive hair fall, weight gain without any reason, excessive sweating, increase in blood pressure, cavity in teeth or bleeding from gums, tingling in hands and feet, yellowing of skin and loss of appetite. All these symptoms point towards Vitamin D deficiency in the body, which should not be ignored.

What should women do to overcome Vitamin D deficiency?

First of all, it is important to get a blood test done to know the level of Vitamin D in the body. Take Vitamin D supplements as per doctor’s advice. Sit in the afternoon sun for 10 to 30 minutes daily with hands and face open. Apart from this, include eggs, fish, fortified milk, curd and cheese in the diet.