Experts Explain Vitamin D Deficiency In Indians And Mistakes That Affect Levels
Experts highlight Vitamin D mistakes affecting Indian health.
Vitamin D deficiency remains a widespread health concern in India, with nutritionist Lovneet Batra highlighting that more than 80% of Indians may be affected by low vitamin D levels. Despite the country receiving abundant sunlight throughout the year, factors such as lifestyle patterns, limited sun exposure and dietary gaps can contribute to inadequate vitamin D status among people.
According to Batra, one common reason vitamin D levels fail to improve is the incorrect use of supplements. She cautioned that many people self-prescribe vitamin D supplements or take unsuitable dosages without proper testing. The nutritionist explained that vitamin D requires support from other nutrients, including magnesium, vitamin K2, zinc and healthy fats, for proper activation, absorption and utilisation in the body.
Sharing suggestions through an Instagram post, Batra recommended natural approaches that may help support vitamin D levels. She highlighted sun exposure as one of the most important sources, advising people to spend around 15 minutes in midday sunlight, particularly between 11 AM and 2 PM, with exposure of arms and legs before applying sunscreen.
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She also suggested including certain foods that provide vitamin D or nutrients that support its function. Sun-dried mushrooms were among her recommendations, as they can provide vitamin D along with other nutrients. She advised sun-drying fresh mushrooms for a short period and cooking them with healthy fats such as desi ghee to improve absorption.
Batra further recommended consuming whole egg yolks instead of removing them, as they contain vitamin D and other nutrients. She also suggested adding foods such as moringa powder, sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds to daily meals because they provide minerals like magnesium, calcium and zinc that contribute to overall nutritional support.
Health experts generally emphasise that vitamin D requirements vary depending on age, health conditions, lifestyle and existing deficiency levels. While dietary choices and sunlight exposure can support vitamin D status, individuals with confirmed deficiency may require medical guidance and appropriate testing before starting supplements.
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