2023-07-23 06:44:00
Thailand Facing a Severe Vitamin D Deficiency Crisis
Thailand, known for its sunny weather year-round, is facing a significant health issue – a widespread deficiency of vitamin D. Recent research conducted at the Health Checkup Center in Vejthani Hospital revealed that 99% of the individuals who underwent a health check-up were found to be lacking in vitamin D. This finding is consistent with previous surveys and studies that highlight the detrimental effects of vitamin D deficiency on the body and the increased risk of various diseases.
However, it is essential to note that excessive intake of vitamin D can also have negative consequences for the body. Therefore, it is crucial to strike a balance and ensure individuals receive appropriate amounts of vitamin D based on their age and daily requirements.
Vitamin D, the only vitamin that the body can produce naturally, offers numerous benefits. It aids in the absorption of calcium, reduces stress, fights depression, promotes better sleep, alleviates rheumatoid pain, and enhances the functioning of the hormonal synthesis system. Additionally, vitamin D stimulates the immune system, helps prevent allergies, improves calcium absorption, and reduces the risk of osteoporosis, thinning bones, blood sugar imbalances, high blood pressure, and coronary heart disease.
Dr. Rajanaree Titisuwan, the Manager of the Health Check-up Center at Vechathani Hospital, explained that most individuals in Thailand, who spend the majority of their time indoors and avoid sunlight to protect their skin, are deficient in vitamin D. Consequently, doctors at the hospital have started providing vitamin D supplements to rectify the deficiency.
The Faculty of Medicine at Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, has also shed light on the seriousness of the vitamin D deficiency problem in Thai people. According to their research, urban areas exhibit a higher deficiency rate than rural areas. Furthermore, younger individuals tend to have lower levels of vitamin D, similar to other Asian countries with young populations.
Of great concern is the younger generation of children who seldom engage in activities that expose them to sunlight, such as playing sports or swimming. Vitamin D is crucial during the first 20 years of life for bone strength and growth.
The Institute of Nutrition at Mahidol University conducted a survey on 3,100 Thai children aged 6 months to 12 years as part of the Southeast Asia Nutrition Survey (SEANUTS) involving Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The survey results indicated that vitamin D deficiency among Thai children has increased from 10 years ago, now affecting 40% or 1 in 3 children surveyed. A similar trend was observed in the other three participating countries.
A lack of vitamin D can lead to various health issues. In children, it may result in rickets and tooth decay, while adults may experience cartilage problems and seizures. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency can make individuals more susceptible to viral respiratory tract infections.
Vibhavadi Hospital warns that prolonged vitamin D deficiency can lead to joint diseases, osteomalacia, rickets, and osteoporosis. These conditions increase the risk of falls and broken bones. Additionally, low levels of vitamin D are associated with muscle weakness, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases, infectious diseases, and insulin resistance.
While vitamin D is crucial for overall health, excessive intake can lead to “Vitamin D overdose poisoning.” This condition is particularly dangerous for growing children and may result in multi-organ failure in severe cases. Excessive consumption can cause anorexia, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, trembling extremities, muscle and bone pain, dehydration, bleeding under the skin, abdominal pain, and kidney calcium stones.
To obtain vitamin D, individuals can rely on two methods – exposure to sunlight and consumption of vitamin D-rich foods. Approximately 80-90% of vitamin D is obtained through sunlight exposure, while the remaining 10-20% can be obtained from the diet. Adequate sunlight exposure involves spending at least 15-20 minutes outdoors between 8 am to 10 am and 4 pm to 5 pm. Vitamin D-rich foods include tilapia, carp, salmon, mackerel, canned tuna, egg yolks, liver, milk, and mushrooms.
The recommended daily intake of vitamin D varies by age. Infants aged 6-12 months should receive 10 micrograms, individuals aged 1-70 should take 15 micrograms, and individuals over 70 should intake 20 micrograms.
The Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, the Institute of Nutrition at Mahidol University, the Faculty of Medicine at Ramathibodi, Mahidol University, the Faculty of Pharmacy at Mahidol University, Vejthani Hospital, Vibhavadi Hospital, and Sikarin Hospital are among the organizations and institutions that have contributed valuable insights and information regarding this pressing issue.
It is crucial for individuals of all ages to be aware of the importance of vitamin D and take appropriate measures to mitigate deficiencies while avoiding excessive intake of this vital nutrient.]
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