Roadmap to address vitamin D deficiency in India
India, the world's most populous country, suffers from widespread micronutrient deficiencies, with Vitamin D deficiency emerging as a silent epidemic. It affects individuals across all age groups, income groups and professions, from children, sportspersons, and outdoor workers to health care workers, leading to severe health conditions such as rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults. Beyond its health impacts, it threatens national productivity, diminishes workforce efficiency, and contributes to rising health care costs.
Given this, the objective of the study is to create a roadmap to eradicate Vitamin D deficiency and help India achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) 2030, particularly SDG 3 of good health and well-being and SDG 2.2, of eradicating all forms of malnutrition by 2030. The study is based on secondary data and information analysis, systematic and meta-analysis of literature, key informant interviews (KIIs) and a stakeholder consultation.
After examining the initiatives taken by international organisations, the best practises of other countries and a comprehensive review of literature on Vitamin D deficiency with a focus on its economic and health impact and the impact of policy interventions, this report presents an overview of the status of the deficiency in India, identifies the reasons behind the deficiency, examines existing policies, and makes recommendations for the Centre and states. The report presents a structured framework to address the Vitamin D deficiency, through strengthening inter-ministerial and Centre-state coordination. It presents innovative ways for affordable testing and treatment, options to scale up food fortification and Vitamin D supplementation programmes, enhance public awareness, and multi-stakeholder's engagement and collaborative partnerships to create a 'Vitamin D Kuposhan Mukt Bharat'.
This paper can be accessed here.
This paper is authored by Arpita Mukherjee, Aashish Chaudhry, Latika Khatwani, Trishali Khanna, Pallavi Verma – ICRIER, New Delhi.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Health department will start siddha fertility clinic, says min Ma Su
Chennai: The health department will start fertility clinics under the department of Indian medicine on a pilot basis, similar to allopathic fertility clinics, at the Govt Siddha Hospital in Chennai, health minister Ma Subramanian said on Saturday. The minister, who took part in a yoga demonstration as part of International Yoga Day, said the state started three allopathic fertility clinics — one each in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Salem — recognizing the increasing prevalence of infertility and the need for improved access to affordable and high-quality fertility care, as well as further research into the underlying causes and effective prevention strategies. "I read an article by a doctor from this institution who said textbooks of siddha medicine, written centuries ago, prescribe drugs to solve infertility. We will soon start a siddha clinic for fertility on this campus," he said. The state is also working on legislation to set up a siddha university at Madhavaram. The Tamil Nadu Siddha Medical University Bill, 2022, which was tabled in the state legislative assembly, was earlier withdrawn. The govt said it will undertake fresh legislation in tune with the provisions contained in the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Act. In 2021-2022, the govt announced it would establish a separate siddha university. A bill passed by the Tamil Nadu assembly on April 28, 2022, was sent for the Governor's assent, but it was sent from Raj Bhavan for the assent of the President. The Centre said certain provisions of the Tamil Nadu Siddha Medical University Bill, 2022, are not in accordance with the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Act, 2020. "We will place the new bill in the coming assembly session," Subramanian said. Tamil Nadu is the only state where there are govt-run colleges for five streams of Indian medicine and homeopathy. The govt will fill doctor vacancies in this stream soon.
Hindustan Times
8 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Well-rounded diet for older adults: 5 nutrients that improve muscle strength, gut balance and overall health
Older adults may require a well-rounded diet that covers all the nutritional requirements of old age. As the body undergoes natural changes due to ageing, like muscle loss, slower metabolism, and reduced bone density, it becomes crucial to prioritise foods that support health in a holistic manner, taking care of all the key functions of health, from cognition to metabolism. Older adults require well-rounded nutrition to stay healthy.(Shutterstock) Khushboo Jain Tibrewala, SME & Advisor - Nutrition, Meru Life, shared with HT Lifestyle the vital nutrients required to help older adults stay healthy, targeting all the essential pillars of ageing, from bone health, gut balance, to cognitive health and muscle strength. She said, 'For most active seniors, the focus shouldn't be on restriction, but on nourishment that supports strength, cognition, and metabolic health. A well-balanced Indian diet, when thoughtfully planned, can help maintain energy, mobility, and clarity for years to come.' Khushboo shared a guide, listing out the important nutrients and their food sources that can help older adults maintain strength, mobility, and overall well-being: 1. Prioritise protein at every meal With age, muscle loss happens. Including two protein sources per meal, dal with curd, eggs with vegetables, or a paneer salad, helps support strength, blood sugar control, and immune function. 2. Support bone and joint health Calcium and Vitamin D are important, but so are magnesium and Vitamin K2. These nutrients help bones stay strong and reduce the risk of stiffness or injury. Add Ragi, Til, leafy greens, fermented foods, and natural fats like Ghee and Mustard oil to your diet. Leafy greens should be added to the diet to support bone and joint health.(Shutterstock) 3. Gut-healthy foods A diverse gut microbiome supports digestion, immunity, and even mood. Simple meals with cooked vegetables, lightly spiced dals, curd, seasonal fruits, and the occasional kanji or pickle can go a long way in keeping digestion smooth. 4. Protect cognitive health with brain-friendly foods Fatigue, forgetfulness, and brain fog are not just part of ageing; they're often signs of poor blood sugar control or missing nutrients. Add good fats (nuts, seeds), colourful vegetables, turmeric, and herbs like curry leaves or brahmi to meals. Stay hydrated and avoid long gaps between meals. 5. Support metabolic health with fibre-rich foods Even active seniors may have early insulin resistance. Regular, balanced meals, good-quality fibre, and moving after meals can help maintain metabolic stability. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
India.com
11 hours ago
- India.com
Vitamin D deficiency: 7 skin-related symptoms that you should be aware of
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a noticeable shift in your skin tone. Here are 7 signs that you should be aware of. Persistent dryness and flakiness may indicate low Vitamin D levels. Image credit: AI-generated pics Vitamin D deficiency may interfere with melanin regulation and skin colour. Your skin may take longer to repair and heal due to vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency may lead to severe skin conditions like Eczema or frequent rashes. Image credit: AI-generated pics A lack of vitamin D can lead to skin regeneration, which can result in pale skin. Unexplained itchiness can be an overlooked symptom of low vitamin D levels in your body. Vitamin D deficiency can cause inflammation and make you skin reactive and sensitive to some products.
