Urban lifestyle and modest dressing linked to higher vitamin D deficiency rates, especially among women

Vitamin D deficiency, a condition often associated with countries with limited sunlight, is surprisingly prevalent in Malaysia.
Health experts share the impacts on the population's health, particularly among urban dwellers, women and specific ethnic groups.
Speaking to Sinar Daily, Consultant Public Health Specialist, Professor Dr Hematram Yadav explained the widespread nature of the issue, emphasising that even in a sunlit tropical nation like Malaysia, vitamin D deficiency affects children, adolescents and adults.
One of the main culprits behind this unexpected health concern is Malaysia's urban lifestyle. Dr Hematram said many Malaysians spend the majority of their day indoors—working, studying or simply avoiding the heat.
"This significantly reduces their exposure to sunlight, which is crucial for the body's natural synthesis of vitamin D," he said.
The cultural and clothing practices of certain groups further exacerbate this issue.
For example, modest dressing, common among many Malaysians, including hijabs and long garments, limits direct skin exposure to sunlight, impacting vitamin D synthesis.
Additionally, ethnicity plays a key role. Studies indicate that Malays and Indians, who typically have darker skin tones, require longer sun exposure to produce the same amount of vitamin D as those with lighter skin tones, such as Malaysian Chinese.
This biological reality, combined with lifestyle and dietary habits, puts these groups at higher risk.
Vitamin D deficiency appears to disproportionately affect Malaysian women. 'Females tend to have lower Vitamin D levels than males,' noted Dr Hematram.
He said this disparity is linked to cultural practices, limited outdoor activities and physiological differences, with the elderly and pregnant women particularly vulnerable.
Meanwhile, Professor in Epidemiology and Public Health at Universiti Malaya, Dr Moy Foong Ming, pointed to findings from a systematic review on vitamin D status in Malaysia.
'The pooled proportion of vitamin D insufficiency (<50 nmol/L) was a staggering 64 per cent. Urban populations, women and Malays and Indians showed significantly higher rates of deficiency,' she revealed.
According to her, the implications of vitamin D deficiency are severe and far-reaching.
Modest dressing, common among many Malaysians, including hijabs and long garments, limits direct skin exposure to sunlight, impacting vitamin D synthesis. Photo: Canva
Dr Moy said the long-term deficiency can lead to weakened bones, increased risk of fractures and osteoporosis, particularly among the elderly.
"Women, especially postmenopausal, are at risk of osteomalacia and osteoporosis due to a loss of bone density.
"Pregnant women face heightened risks, with deficiency linked to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preeclampsia, preterm births and impaired fetal bone development.
"Adolescents, too, bear the brunt of this deficiency, which can hinder peak bone mass development, impact cognitive performance, and contribute to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety," she said.
Beyond bone health, Dr Moy said vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases like hypertension and Type 2 diabetes, autoimmune disorders and even mental health conditions like seasonal affective disorder.
Recognising the symptoms
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency often go unnoticed until severe. Common signs include fatigue, muscle and bone pain, slow wound healing, increased susceptibility to illnesses, hair loss and even depression.
Therefore, the expert said combatting vitamin D deficiency in Malaysia requires a multi-faceted approach
Education and awareness: Many Malaysians remain unaware of their risk or how to safely obtain vitamin D. Dispelling myths about sun exposure, such as fears of skin cancer, is essential.
Dietary improvements: Encouraging the consumption of vitamin D-rich foods, including fatty fish like salmon and sardines, fortified products, and supplements, can bridge the gap.
Promoting safe sun exposure: Malaysians should aim for short periods of sun exposure, particularly in the morning or late afternoon, when UV rays are less harmful.
The tropical sunlight that bathes Malaysia year-round should ideally protect its population from vitamin D deficiency.
However, as urbanisation and lifestyle changes continue to shift Malaysians indoors, it becomes increasingly important to ensure the public is informed and equipped to address this hidden health issue.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Malaysiakini

15 hours ago

• Malaysiakini

DAP senator warns of risky EPF-insurance plan, potential exploitation

DAP Senator RA Lingeshwaran raised serious concerns over the proposal to allow withdrawals from Account 2 of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to pay for health insurance premiums. While acknowledging that the government may seek to ease financial hardship, he said it risks compromising the EPF's mandate to safeguard Malaysians' retirement security. 'The government's intention...

The Sun

18 hours ago

• The Sun

Holistic approach key to appropriate acne care

PETALING JAYA: In conjunction with Acne Awareness Month, a leading dermatologist has urged Malaysians to move beyond creams and antibiotics, and adopt a more holistic approach that considers gut health, diet, mental well-being and the emotional toll of the condition. 'Acne is a multifactorial skin condition that extends far beyond visible lesions. A holistic approach not only improves outcomes but also addresses the emotional burden carried by many patients,' said Consultant Dermatologist Dr Teeba Raja, who also serves as president of the Malaysian Allergic Contact Dermatitis Subcommittee. She explained that emerging research has drawn attention to the gut-skin axis, where imbalances in gut bacteria – known as gut dysbiosis – can drive skin inflammation. 'Increased intestinal permeability, or 'leaky gut', allows endotoxins such as lipopolysaccharides to enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammatory responses in the skin. 'While gut-directed therapies are not yet part of standard acne treatment, patients with both acne and gastrointestinal symptoms may benefit from addressing underlying gut issues,' she said. Teeba also highlighted the role of diet, noting that high-glycaemic foods and dairy have been linked to acne severity. 'Low-glycaemic diets help by lowering insulin and IGF-1 levels – hormones that stimulate oil production and skin cell growth. 'Dairy, especially skim milk and whey protein, can aggravate acne in some individuals due to its hormonal effects.' She added that probiotics, particularly strains such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, may help reduce skin inflammation, but should be seen as complementary rather than primary treatments. Mental health is another critical yet often overlooked aspect of acne care. 'Many patients experience depression, anxiety and social withdrawal due to acne. Some studies have found it to be more psychologically distressing than chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes. 'In Malaysia, adolescent surveys show acne is a common cause of emotional distress and social stigma.' Teeba called for routine mental health screening during dermatology consultations. 'We should normalise checking in on patients' emotional well-being. Tools such as dermatology-specific quality-of-life questionnaires can help identify those who need psychological support.' She recalled one case involving a 19-year-old male with severe nodulocystic acne. 'After years of failed treatments, he was started on isotretinoin. In six months, not only did his skin improve dramatically, but his self-esteem and overall quality of life returned. It was a reminder that acne care can be life-changing when done right.' Teeba also warned against common self-treatment mistakes, such as over-cleansing, pimple-popping and frequent product switching. 'These habits worsen inflammation, damage the skin barrier and increase the risk of scarring. Patients should be educated to follow a consistent, gentle routine and apply treatments across the entire acne-prone area, not just on visible spots.' She pointed out that social media has become a double-edged sword in acne management. 'Teens are constantly exposed to filtered images and miracle-cure content, which creates unrealistic expectations. Some abandon effective treatments in favour of viral trends. We must teach patients to critically evaluate online content and follow credible sources.' While public awareness of acne in Malaysia is growing, stigma remains a persistent barrier. 'Studies show that over 76% of people view acne negatively in photographs, associating it with poor hygiene or unattractiveness. We need greater public education to dismantle these harmful myths.' Ultimately, she said acne treatment must extend beyond prescriptions.

The Star

20 hours ago

• The Star

From cushy life to offering a lifeline

Beacon of light: Florence and her staff in a discussion at the Sneham office in Seri Berapit, Bukit Mertajam. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star Corporate high-flyer finds a greater calling to help those in need BUKIT MERTAJAM: She once sat in posh boardrooms, drawing a high salary, steering corporations and troubleshooting problems across Asia. At the peak of her career, Datuk Dr Florence Sinniah did something few dare to do – she walked away. Not for a higher post or early retirement, but to listen to the cries of people crushed by grief or despair. 'I left when I was doing my best work. My performance was consistently in the top tier. 'But I knew I had another calling,' said Florence, founder and chairman of Sneham Malaysia – a renowned toll-free suicide prevention helpline. From corporate corridors to hospital wards, Florence wore many hats. She has worked as a psychiatric nurse, a midwife and a senior human resources (HR) director in multinational companies. It was during her HR career – navigating the mental breakdowns of top-performing employees – that she discovered her purpose. 'One case that changed me was an engineer who broke down from the pressures of managing a global team. 'I realised then that I had the ability to connect with people deeply, and that the mental health of people cannot be an afterthought,' she said in an interview. That realisation planted the seed that would grow into Sneham, which in Tamil means 'love' or 'friendship'. Florence began volunteering with the Befrienders hotline in 2009, quietly taking the graveyard shift from midnight to 6am every Friday – just to be there for those in crisis. By 2018, she knew she had to go further. She resigned and launched Sneham in October that year. Today, Sneham is powered by 35 dedicated volunteers, supported by 48 members in total. It's more than a hotline – it's a lifeline for those trapped in darkness. 'In a world where emotional pain is often invisible, just having someone to listen without judgment can save a life,' she said. Since 2019, Sneham has answered 9,235 calls, responded to 2,292 WhatsApp messages, provided 128 in-person counselling sessions, and reached 193 schools and communities with outreach programmes. During the pandemic period, calls surged from 375 in 2019 to 1,885 in 2023, showing how isolation and despair gripped a higher number of people. But running a lifeline isn't easy. Florence is candid about the struggles. 'We're constantly working to expand our volunteer pool and secure enough funding to keep going,' she said. In 2020, Sneham was recognised globally with the Stars of Covid Award – one of 100 selected from over 1,600 nominations. Behind the numbers lies the beating heart of a woman who gave up comfort to sit with people in their darkest moments – simply to remind them that they matter. Meanwhile, the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) returns for the 11th edition to honour everyday Malaysians whose compassion and selflessness have made a lasting impact on others. With McDonald's Malaysia as the new strategic partner, SGHA is poised to broaden its reach and deepen its impact nationwide. This year also marks the debut of the McDonald's Caring Hearts Award – a special recognition honouring individuals or grassroots groups whose heartfelt acts of kindness have uplifted lives in profound and lasting ways. Since its inception in 2015, SGHA has honoured more than 100 individuals and organisations whose efforts have inspired action, transformed lives and strengthened communities nationwide.