Believe it or not! Over 80% people in India are Vit D deficient

Vitamin D deficiency doesn't exhibit early signs or symptoms, and over a period of time makes people highly vulnerable to major diseases (like diabetes, cardio-vascular diseases and cancer) with a 45% chance of early death. People in India are oblivious to this fact.

Over 80% of India's population is Vitamin D deficient and is at risk from health complications like diabetes and heart disorders, experts said.

They emphasised that Vitamin D deficiency doesn't exhibit early signs or symptoms, and over a period of time makes people highly vulnerable to major diseases with a 45% chance of early death.

"People in India are oblivious to the fact that Vitamin D deficiency could lead to serious health problems like diabetes, cardio-vascular diseases and even cancer," said M.C. Misra, director of All India Institute of Medical Sciences(AIIMS).

He was speaking at the launch of "Bon D Light campaign", an initiative by pharmaceutical company Glenmark in collaboration with AIIMS to generate mass awareness across the country about Vitamin D deficiency.

In its 15 city voyage, the campaign would be joined by local medical practitioners. The doctors will explain the etiology of Vitamin D deficiency.

"This campaign is a model campaign, thoughtfully conceived and formulated to generate public awareness around Vitamin D deficiency among Indians. It is a unique patient outreach module," Misra said while launching the campaign.

"Health and fitness become even more important in the second half of life that is after retirement. Awareness around the role of Vitamin D in maintaining optimum health will certainly play a vital role in improving general well being of elderly population of the country," Kaul said.

Sanjeev Bagai, vice-chairman and director-dean of Delhi-based Manipal Hospital, said: "Very few people in the country know that Vitamin D is necessary to carry out physiological processes of body normally."

"Such initiatives are important to help people understand the importance of Vitamin D and identify ways to counter its loss," said Bagai, a Padma Shri awardee.