Vitamin D deficiency, the forgotten cause of slow-healing fractures
Vitamin D deficiency is becoming a "silent epidemic" affecting millions of people around the world. According to a report by the International Council for Economic Relations Research (ICRIER), 1 in 5 people are deficient in vitamin D, leading to a higher risk of osteoporosis, bone deformities and fractures.
Dr. Aashish Chaudhry, Executive Director and Head of the Department of Orthopedics at Aakash Healthcare (India) said: When a person with a broken bone has a low vitamin D concentration, the bone healing process takes longer and they may experience more complications. Supplementing vitamin D at the right time helps to recover quickly and reduces the risk of reflux".
Vitamin D plays a role in helping the body absorb calcium, a key factor in creating a strong bone structure. International studies show that vitamin D supplementation can shorten bone marrow, reduce pain and improve motor function after injury.
How to protect bones and prevent vitamin D deficiency
According to Dr Chaudhry, many people in urban areas are currently experiencing severe lack of sunlight due to indoor lifestyle, air pollution and sun shortage. Meanwhile, taking a light sun bath of 15 - 20 minutes a day in the early morning or late afternoon can help the body synthesize vitamin D naturally.
In addition to sunlight, vitamin D is also a source of fatty fish (such as salmon, tuna, mackerel), eggs, micronutrient supplements and functional foods. People who rarely go out or have a diet lacking in fish or milk should periodically check their blood vitamin D levels for appropriate supplementation advice.
ICRIER's report recommends that countries should soon develop a national program on vitamin D supplementation, because "if not treated early, this situation will put a great burden on the health system as the population ages".
Experts recommend that in addition to a healthy diet, weight-bearing exercise such as brisk walking or climbing stairs is also a natural way to maintain bone strength and prevent injury.
