Understanding the Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency is a global concern affecting a significant portion of the population, particularly in South Asia and other regions with diverse ethnicities. Here’s what recent studies reveal:
Vitamin D Deficiency in South Asia
A comprehensive study encompassing 44,717 participants across 65 studies in five South Asian countries revealed alarming statistics:
Overall prevalence: 68% (95% CI: 64-72%)
Average vitamin D levels: Ranged between 4.7 to 32 ng/mL, with a weighted mean of 19.15 ng/mL
Country-wise Prevalence:
Pakistan: 73% (highest)
Bangladesh: 67%
India: 67%
Nepal: 57%
Sri Lanka: 48%
(Source: Siddiqee et al., 2021)
Vitamin D Deficiency in Malaysia
A multi-ethnic study conducted among male and female teachers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, further highlights the widespread nature of the issue:
Overall prevalence: 67.4% of participants had vitamin D levels <20 ng/mL
Ethnic breakdown:
Indian: 80.9%
Malay: 75.6%
Others: 44.9%
Chinese: 25.1%
(Source: Shafinaz & Moy, 2016)
These findings underscore the critical need for effective solutions like Vitamin D Jabs, ensuring 100% absorption to combat widespread deficiency and support overall health.