Kolkata, India – Suraksha Diagnostic, a leading diagnostic chain in Eastern India, recently hosted an interactive expert session at its Ekbalpore Centre. The session, held on March 2, 2026, focused on the critical issue of Vitamin D deficiency, termed the “Vitamin D Crisis: From Childhood to Adulthood.” Doctors at the event highlighted the widespread nature of this deficiency across all age groups in India. They discussed its serious health implications, ranging from growth problems in children to increased risks of chronic diseases in adults.[expresshealthcare+2]
Understanding the Silent Epidemic
The expert session featured Dr. Soumodip Das, a Consultant in General Medicine, and Dr. Shouvik Bardhan, an Orthopaedic Consultant, both from Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics’ Ekbalpore Centre. They explained that Vitamin D deficiency is a silent and widespread crisis. This problem spans from childhood to adulthood, driven largely by modern sedentary indoor lifestyles. Limitedsun exposure and inadequate dietary intake also contribute significantly to the deficiency.[expresshealthcare+7]
Dr. Soumodip Das emphasized the impact on younger populations. “Vitamin D deficiency in children doesn't just weaken bones — it silently limits growth, immunity, and the foundation of a healthy future,” he stated. In children, a lack of Vitamin D can lead to rickets and various growth issues. For adults, the deficiency causes softening of the bones. Beyond bone health, it increases the risks of serious conditions like cardiovascular issues and diabetes.[expresshealthcare+11]
Misunderstood Symptoms and Lifestyle Factors
Doctors at the session cited studies showing India faces a significant Vitamin D deficiency crisis. Common symptoms often get mistaken for other issues. Mood changes,poor immunity, bone pain, fatigue, and muscle weakness are frequently attributed to aging, stress, or general lifestyle factors. However, these symptoms may actually signal a Vitamin D deficiency.[expresshealthcare+5]
A major contributing factor in India is the tendency for a large proportion of people to spend most of their time indoors. When outdoors, the use of sunscreen and the presence of pollution can block the absorption of sunlight. Sunlight is crucial for the body to naturally produce Vitamin D. A report mentioned during the session highlighted that the fear of tanning also reduces sunlight exposure, which is necessary to combat Vitamin D deficiency.[expresshealthcare+6]
Broader Health Risks and Women's Health
The experts detailed how low-level and chronic Vitamin D deficiency accelerates bone density loss. This can leadto osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones brittle and fragile. It also causes muscle weakness and increases the risk of falls, especially in older adults. The deficiency is also linked to other serious health problems, including hypertension, autoimmune disorders, and certain types of cancer.[expresshealthcare+5]
For women, specifically, the session noted that symptoms like mood swings, fatigue, and menstrual discomfort often improve significantly after Vitamin D levels are enhanced. This underscores the broad impact of Vitamin D on overall well-being and specific health concerns. The prevalence is also high among children, particularly those with low outdoor activity and a higher Body Mass Index (BMI).[expresshealthcare+3]
Call for Awareness and Screening
Dr. Shouvik Bardhan emphasized the urgent need for action. “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,” he stated. The doctors stressed that while Vitamin D deficiency is relatively easy to identify and treat, awareness of its symptoms, causes, and implications remains vital.[financialsamachar+1]
Symptoms such aschronic fatigue, even with adequate sleep, muscle weakness, and difficulty concentrating, should prompt individuals to seek screening. This is particularly important for women, adults, and those with sedentary lifestyles. Suraksha Diagnostic Limited offers testing for Vitamin D deficiency, including convenient home collection services, to help individuals monitor their levels.[expresshealthcare+5]
Dr. Somnath Chatterjee, Chairman and Joint Managing Director of Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics, reiterated the organization's commitment. “With this expert session, Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics aims to raise awareness surrounding Vitamin D deficiency from childhood to adulthood,” he said. The session concludedby advising individuals showing symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency to undergo regular testing, ensure intentional sun exposure, and adopt better dietary habits. These steps are crucial for maintaining optimal Vitamin D levels and preventing long-term health complications.[expresshealthcare+6]
