Suraksha Diagnostic (“Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics”), the largest diagnostic chain of Eastern India, conducted an interactive expert session on ‘Vitamin D Crisis: From Childhood to Adulthood’ at its Ekbalpore centre. The session was held in the presence of Dr Soumodip Das, Department of General Medicine, MBBS, CCATH UK, CCEBDM CAL, SAAC USA, Consultant at Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics, Ekbalpore Centre, and Dr Shouvik Bardhan, Orthopaedic Department, MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics), MRCS (Part A), Consultant at Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics, Ekbalpore Centre.
During the session, the doctors discussed Vitamin D deficiency as a widespread issue from childhood to adulthood, linked to sedentary indoor lifestyles, limited sun exposure and lack of dietary intake. They stated that it leads to rickets and growth issues in children, softening of bones in adults and increased risks of cardiovascular conditions and diabetes.
As per studies cited at the session, India is facing Vitamin D deficiency, where symptoms such as mood changes, low immunity, bone pain, fatigue and muscle weakness are often attributed to ageing, stress and lifestyle factors, though they may indicate deficiency. It was noted that a large proportion of people in India spend time indoors, where sunscreen use and pollution block absorption. A report cited during the session stated that fear of tanning reduces sunlight exposure, which is required to cope with Vitamin D deficiency. For women, mood swings, fatigue and menstrual discomfort often improve after enhancement of Vitamin D levels.
Suraksha Diagnostic Limited offers testing for Vitamin D deficiency, including home collection services.
Vitamin D deficiency was stated to cause bone deformities, growth retardation, low immunity and increased risk of infections. It is prevalent among children, particularly those with low outdoor activity and higher BMI.
Low-level and chronic deficiency accelerates bone density loss, leading to osteoporosis, muscle weakness and higher risk of falls. It is also associated with hypertension, autoimmune disorders and certain cancers.
Globally, Vitamin D deficiency affects more than one billion people, with prevalence rates reported between 70 and 100 per cent in regions such as India. Vitamin D was cited as essential for bone health.
Studies referenced during the session stated that around one in two Indians above 45 years report joint pain. Research conducted in rural South India showed a prevalence of 34.6 per cent of knee osteoarthritis among adults aged 40 years and above. Women were reported to be at higher risk, with one study indicating 55 per cent prevalence of knee osteoarthritis in women above 40 years, often associated with hormonal changes due to menopause. Experts stated that within the next 10 years, knee arthritis will be the fourth most common cause of physical disability in India. Studies also suggested that over 50 per cent of individuals in their 30s show early cartilage damage signs on MRI scans.
Factors cited for joint issues in individuals above 40 years in India include sedentary lifestyles, obesity, Vitamin D deficiency, weak muscles, untreated injuries, poor posture and cultural habits.
Vitamin D deficiency was described as easier to identify and treat, though awareness of symptoms, causes and implications remains necessary. Symptoms including chronic fatigue despite adequate sleep, muscle weakness and difficulty in focusing should lead to screening, especially among women, adults and individuals with sedentary lifestyles.
Speaking on Vitamin D deficiency among children, Dr Soumodip Das said: “Vitamin D deficiency in children doesn’t just weaken bones — it silently limits growth, immunity, and the foundation of a healthy future.”
“Vitamin D deficiency is a silent epidemic. By improving awareness, sunlight exposure, and proper supplementation, we can significantly reduce fractures, osteoporosis, and musculoskeletal pain in our population,” said Dr Shouvik Bardhan.
Dr Somnath Chatterjee, Chairman and Joint Managing Director, Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics, said, “With this expert session, Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics aims to raise awareness surrounding Vitamin D deficiency from childhood to adulthood.”
Individuals showing symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency were advised to undergo regular testing, ensure sun exposure and adopt dietary measures.