Thai working people suffer from Vitamin D deficiency, expert says

One in every three Thai working people has a vitamin D deficiency, while 64.6 per cent of adults in Bangkok face Vitamin D insufficiency leading to increased risk of health problems in the long term, according to a leading expert. 

Vitamin D insufficiency is caused by insufficient sun exposure, primarily as a result of long hours inside the office and concern about skin damage from sun exposure. The statistics were unveiled at “Have you got enough D?” event, held by Roche Diagnostics (Thailand), which aimed to raise awareness about the benefits of Vitamin D,

“Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin. The recent study found that one in every three or 36.5 per cent of Thai people had vitamin D serum lower than 20ng/mL, which is defined as a deficiency. The lowest level of vitamin D in the blood of the sample group was 9.95 ng/ml. Even in Thailand, a country with abundant levels of sunshine, a large percentage of the Thai population is at a risk of low vitamin D levels, especially Bangkok residents who spend long hours sheltered from sunlight,” says Dr Sant Chaiyodsilp of Phyathai 2 International Hospital. 

“Common pollutants in the air also decrease the amount of UV rays reaching the skin, hence reducing the opportunity for the skin to produce vitamin D. Worldwide, it is estimated that 1 billion people have vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency.” 

Vitamin D is produced by the skin via its absorption of UV rays and also occurs naturally in a few foods, among them certain fish, fish liver oils, and egg yolks, as well as in fortified dairy and grain products. At more at risk of vitamin D deficiency are dark-skinned people, the overweight and the elderly, menopausal females, pregnant women, lactating mothers and those who adhere to a vegan diet. 

In addition to insufficient sun exposure, further factors include ingesting fewer vitamin D-rich foods, intake of anticonvulsant or steroid medicine for long periods, and absorption problems.

“Vitamin D has taken a back seat to vitamin C and many do not realise the vital role it plays in their health,” Sant continues. 

“Appropriate amounts of vitamin D offer wide-ranging benefits to the entire human life cycle, from birth till the mature years. At the prenatal stage, it has been documented to promote normal foetal growth as well as to reduce pre-eclampsia risks, a pregnancy-induced hypertension that can necessitate premature delivery. Low vitamin D levels during pregnancy have been linked to skeletal problems and type 1 diabetes in children. The role of vitamin D in bone health has been recognised for the best part of a century. Vitamin D assists in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, hence a sufficient amount of vitamin D results in stronger bones, which in turn reduces osteoporosis risks in the elderly. The latest research has shown that people with high serum vitamin D level, even though their calcium levels are lower, are able to increase bone mass. Osteoporosis is considered a serious public health concern, with figures from the International Osteoporosis Foundations (IOF) showing that more 200 million people worldwide suffer from this disease, and that approximately 30 per cent of all postmenopausal women have low bone density. Low bone density is a poorly diagnosed disease, often not presenting as a problem until pain from backbone fractures or deformities are experienced.”

Vitamin D has a greater role than just promoting bone health. It also regulates physiological ageing including that of the skin. Studies have associated low Vitamin D levels with a puffy or sagging appearance, enlarged pores and skin cysts. In addition, vitamin D plays a role in the building and strengthening of muscle mass.

High vitamin D levels also protect against such auto-immune diseases as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes type 1 while a sufficient vitamin D level lowers cardiovascular risks including hypertension and the hardening of artery walls. In addition, researchers have pointed out the correlation between high Vitamin D levels with decreased risks of breast, colorectal and prostate cancer.

“I urge Thai people to take the possibility of vitamin D deficiency seriously. The first step is for people to have their vitamin D level tested because deficiency can occur even in people who consume rich Vitamin D food or take supplements.”