Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that promotes calcium absorption in the gut and maintains adequate serum calcium and phosphate for healthy bones, teeth and muscles. Now-a-days, vitamin D deficiency is a silent and neglected global public health problem. Almost one billion people worldwide suffer from vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency.

Vitamin D deficiency symptoms have been linked to different health problems, including heart disease, depression, and cancer. Signs you are not getting enough vitamin D are -- bone softening of fractures, fatigue and generalized weakness, muscle cramps, joint and bone pain, impaired wound healing, dizziness, anxiety, hair loss.

To fulfil the deficiency of vitamin D, the following measures can be adopted:

• Go out in the sun

• Take vitamin D rich food every day. for example- mushrooms, liver, meat, fish, liver oil, shrimp, egg yolk, oatmeal.

• Take supplements by consulting with doctors

• Routinely test the 25-hydroxy vitamin D blood.

• Spending enough time in the sun and eating vitamin D rich food is the best way to get a daily dose of vitamin D. Only eating vitamin D rich food is insufficient to fulfil your daily dose.

Check your vitamin D level twice a year and consult with your health care professional before taking a vitamin D supplement.

The writer is a neurodynamic specialist and clinical physiotherapist at BRB Hospital Ltd.
Email: ranacrpphysio@gmail.com