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Men also vulnerable to Vitamin D defciency

Men also vulnerable to Vitamin D deficiency
Dr Kiran Acharya
Professor and Head of Arthroscopy & Sports Injuries Unit,
Kasturba Medical College & Hospital, Manipal University, Manipal.

So far, Osteoporosis studies have suggested women are more vulnerable.  But very few said men are also vulnerable to Vitamin D deficiency, according to Dr Kiran Acharya, Professor and Head of Arthroscopy & Sports Injuries Unit, Kasturba Medical College & Hospital, Manipal University, Manipal. He also suggests various facts about Vitamin D in an interview with the THP team. Edited Excerpts: 

1. What are the common vitamin deficiencies impacting bone growth and stability?
Most important is Vitamin D. But other vitamins like Vitamin C, Vitamin B12 too play a role in maintaining normal bone health. Vitamin K 2-7 has been found to play a key role in bone metabolism.

2. Why young India suffers with Vitamin D deficiency despite abundant sunlight?
This is because a person’s vitamin D level is affected mostly by their diet, their ability to actually absorb the vitamin D that they eat, and the amount of sun their skin can absorb. Most do not get adequate exposure to sunlight.

3. Best way to supplement Vitamin D?
Literature is full of conflicting reports.  It simply does not matter if you take vitamin D in oil / dissolving tablet or as a powder, it does not matter if you take food with your vitamin D, or on an empty stomach. But ensure your body absorbs adequate vitamin D. This means you are no longer suffering from "Vitamin D starvation”!

4. Who is most affected by Vitamin D deficiency? Men or women
According to the data complied by Manipal Osteoporosis Registry, both Men & Women have equal vulnerability to Vitamin D Deficiency.  Moreover a silent Vitamin deficiency is prevalent in the age group of 18-25, which needs to be identified and treated. Because, bone health at this age group is the foundation for future bone mass.

5. Chewable vitamin D tabs are promoted for kids. What’s your view on that?
Emphasis should be on balanced diet, staying away from Junk food.  Vitamin D fortified milk intake along with a healthy diet, outdoor physical activity take care of most requirement. However those at risk of malnutrition, comorbidities can consume Vitamin D in chewable form, preferably under the supervision & prescription by a paediatrician.

6. What is the natural way to get Vitamin D?
The most natural way to get vitamin D is by exposing your bare skin to sunlight (ultraviolet B rays). Skin can absorb vitamin D very quickly, particularly in the summer. You don’t need to tan or burn your skin to get vitamin D. You only need to expose your skin for around half the time it takes for your skin to turn pink and begin to burn. How much vitamin D is produced from sunlight depends on the time of the day plus place you live in the world and the color of your skin. The more you expose your skin the more vitamin D is produced.

7. Suggest few Vitamin D rich food supplements.
Good sources of vitamin D include oily fish (tuna and sardines), egg yolks and fortified milk. Sunlight also contributes to the body’s production of vitamin D. If you’re worried about getting enough vitamin D (especially vegetarians), always consult your family physician for supplements.

8. You’re known for your research works on orthopedics.  Can you please share research findings that would help patients?
a) Best bone quality is attained at the age of 18-25 years of age. Encourage physical activity, ensure good nutrition at this age.  Avoid getting into "size zero”, which can lead to very bad bone health later in life. Indulgence in consumption of aerated drinks on daily basis has direct relationship to calcium deficiency.
b) Both men and women are at equal risk for osteopenia/ osteoporosis. Men respond to treatment at a slower pace.
c) Periodic check up of Bone Mineral Density is recommended for early detection of deteriorating bone health. Abnormal Body Mass Index, tobacco abuse and concomitant medications (Cardiac/steroids/weight reducing medication) have a strong association with abnormal BMD.
d) Consult your doctor, if you feel the early warning signs: malaise, fatigue, cramps, and unexplained body ache – you could be suffering from altered bone health!
More info at: http://drkiranacharya. blogspot.in/2015/09/bonehealth.html 

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