2 days ago
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.
