Deficiency of Vitamin D can cause dementia over time

Deficiency of Vitamin D can cause dementia over time

Many Indians are unaware that they are Vitamin D deficient

New Delhi, 28 November 2017: While the benefits of Vitamin D in reducing the risk of heart disease, multiple sclerosis, and even rheumatoid arthritis have been documented in various studies, a new study has found that deficiency of this Vitamin D can increase the risk of developing dementia. As per the study, people severely deficient in vitamin D were 122% more likely to develop dementia. Despite being a country that receives ample sunlight, about 65% to 70% Indians are deficient in this most essential vitamin.

Vitamin D is not a simple vitamin and impacts virtually every cell in the body. It is synthesized in the skin on exposure to sunshine and is needed to absorb calcium and for bone health. Low vitamin D levels are widely known to harm bones, leading them to become thin, brittle, soft or misshapen. However, it is equally important for the heart, brain, and immune function.

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, "Vitamin D deficiency is linked with metabolic syndrome, heart diseases, and also with fertility. Research now has indicated a possible link to dementia as well. In India, the sun is worshipped as part of various festivals. The month of Magha, Vaishakha, and Kartik are considered as months for Shahi Snans where one is supposed to worship sun early in the morning and eat calcium rich food whether it is Urad Ki Daal or sesame seeds. The Chhat pooja which takes place immediately after Diwali is also linked to sun worship. The Marghshirsha month immediately after the month of Kartik also involves worshipping sun. Karkitpurnima and Vaishakhpurnima are especially known for sun worshiping. The current vitamin D mantra is that 40 days in a year for at least 40 minutes, one should expose 40% of the body to the sunlight either after sunrise or just before sunset.”

Vitamin D2 ergocalciferol is found in food items and our body makes Vitamin D3 cholecalciferol in the presence of sunlight. While both are extremely important, if D2 can be obtained from food, even little exposure to sun can help the body produce D3.

Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “There are several reasons for deficiency of vitamin D. Lack of food fortification policies and more commonly our sociocultural practices, ‘sun-fleeing’ behavior, are major factors contributing to deficiency of this ‘sunshine vitamin’ in India which has abundant sunshine. Many people are unaware that they are vitamin D deficient.”

The following foods are good sources of Vitamin D.

Cod liver oil This oil comes from the liver of the cod fish and is considered extremely healthy. It helps ease joint pains and can be taken in capsule form or oil form.

Mushrooms If you love mushrooms, you are covered. Dried shitake mushrooms are a brilliant source of Vitamin D3 as well as Vitamin B. It is low in calorie and can be consumed daily.

Salmon Salmon is another good source of D3, Omega 3 and protein.

Sunflowers seeds This seed not only have Vitamin D3 but also comes with monounsaturated fats and protein.

Adequate intake of Vitamin D can prevent the risk of Type 1 diabetes in children

Adequate intake of Vitamin D can prevent the risk of Type 1 diabetes in children

It can also lower the risk of developing islet autoimmunity

New Delhi, 29 October 2017: A recent research indicates that children receiving higher levels of Vitamin D during infancy and childhood have significantly lower risk of developing islet autoimmunity as well as Type 1 diabetes. The incidence of Type 1 diabetes is increasing by about 3% to 5% annually worldwide. Statistics indicate that over 80% of people in India are deficient in Vitamin D. Vitamin D represents a candidate protective factor for Type 1 diabetes as it regulates the immune system and autoimmunity.

Islet autoimmunity is detected by antibodies that appear when the immune system attacks the islet cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. This is a precursor to Type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes in children requires consistent care. However, advances in blood sugar monitoring and insulin delivery have improved the daily management of the condition.

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “Although the exact cause of Type 1 diabetes is unknown, in most people the body's immune system mistakenly destroys insulin-producing (islet) cells in the pancreas. Genetics and environmental factors have a role to play in this process. Insulin has a critical role – that of moving glucose from the bloodstream to the body's cells. When food is digested, glucose enters the bloodstream. Once the islet cells are destroyed, very little or no insulin is produced. This causes glucose to build up in the bloodstream, where it can cause life-threatening complications. Type 1 diabetes develops gradually, but the symptoms may seem to come on suddenly.”

One of the early signs of diabetes in children is increased urination and thirst. Some other warning signs include fatigue, changes in vision, fruity smelling breath, extreme hunger and unexplained weight loss, and unusual behavior such as being more moody or restless than normal.

Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “While it may not be possible to prevent this condition entirely, it is possible to reduce complications by helping your child maintain good blood sugar control as much as possible; teaching them the importance of eating a healthy diet and participating in regular physical activity; and scheduling a yearly eye exam beginning no more than five years after the initial diabetes diagnosis. This condition requires lifelong treatment and includes blood sugar monitoring, insulin therapy, healthy eating, and regular exercise.”

In Type 1 diabetes, tight control of blood sugar can prevent diabetes complications. Some other preventive tips for those with Type 1 diabetes include the following.

• Choose healthy foods to share.
• Take a brisk walk together every day.
• Talk with your family about your health and your family’s risk of diabetes and heart disease.
• If you smoke, seek help to quit.
• Make changes to reduce your risk for diabetes and its complications — for yourself, your families and for future generations.

Vitamin D supplements can help cut the risk of asthma attacks

Vitamin D supplements can help cut the risk of asthma attacks

· Over 20 million people in India suffer from asthma

· Airway sensitivity both rural and urban areas has gone up due to many factors

New Delhi, 09 October 2017: As per a recent study, taking oral vitamin D supplements in addition to standard asthma medication causes a 30% reduction in asthma attacks requiring treatment with steroid tablets or injections, in those with mild-to-moderate asthma. As per the findings, there was a 50% reduction in the risk of people experiencing at least one asthma attack requiring hospitalization or visit to emergency Dept with vitamin D supplementation. Vitamin D is thought to protect against attacks triggered by viral upper respiratory infections by boosting immune responses and dampening down harmful airway inflammation.

A chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways, asthma causes recurring episodes of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing. The coughing often occurs at night or early in the morning. About 15 to 20 million people in India have asthma, and some studies even put this number at 30 million.

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “It is important to understand the working of airways to understand asthma. The airways are tubes that carry air into and out of the lungs. In people with asthma, these airways are inflamed, which makes them swollen and very sensitive. Due to this, the airways react strongly to certain inhaled substances, which causes the muscles around them to tighten. As a result, the airways become narrow causing less air to flow into the lungs. The cells in the airways might make more mucus than usual. All these can result in asthma symptoms, which can occur each time the airways are inflamed. Asthma attacks are also known as flare ups or exacerbations.”

Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “Airway sensitivity is going up among people in both rural and urban areas due to sustained exposure to a combination of triggers. Asthma requires continuous medical care and those with moderate-to-severe asthma must take long-term medicines such as anti-inflammatory drugs. These should be taken every day to prevent symptoms and attacks. Short-term medicines such as inhaled short-acting beta2-agonists are also used for quick relief of asthma symptoms.”

Here are some tips to prevent asthma.

Follow your care plan diligently. Asthma needs regular monitoring and following your prescribed medication schedule can help you manage symptoms to a great extent.
Identify what triggers an attack. It could be anything from outdoor allergens and irritants to household dust and mites.
Monitoring your breathing and identifying a possible attack can also help you in taking medications and precautions in a timely manner, thus avoiding flare ups.
Getting vaccination for influenza and pneumonia can prevent asthma flare ups.

Vitamin D supplementation should be started early to prevent osteoporosis

Vitamin D supplementation should be started early to prevent osteoporosis This is silent disease as it does not have any symptoms New Delhi, 26 September 2017: From a research conducted recently, scientists have been able to identify what leads to bone loss in older adults. According to this, a protein called Cbf-beta plays a critical role in maintaining the bone-producing cells. When the mechanism producing this protein malfunctions, the progenitor cells stop creating bone-producing cells and instead create fat cells. It is, therefore, important to maintain this Cbf-beta to prevent human age-associated osteoporosis, which is caused due to excessive creation of fat cells. Osteoporosis is condition in which the bones become weak, and even a simple fall or bump can cause a bone to break. The most common bones to break or fracture are those of the spine, hip and the wrist. This is often known as a “silent disease’’ because one cannot feel or see the bones becoming weaker. Women are more affected by this condition than men. Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “The normal bone-remodeling cycle is a balance of two special cells that work together to keep the bones strong. While osteoclast cells break down old bones causing pits; osteoblasts work to fill in these pits with new bone. When a person grows older, the bone-remodeling cycle changes and more bone is broken down than that formed. Osteoclasts start breaking down the bone faster. The osteoblasts cannot keep up with this to fill in the pits that are being formed. The bones thus become thin and fragile, leading to an increased risk of fractures. Apart from this, a low BMI is a risk factor for osteoporosis and high BMI is a risk factor for osteoarthritis. Therefore, a balance must be maintained.” Apart from age and gender certain other factors such as an inactive lifestyle, excessive alcohol and tobacco intake, and smoking can also lead to osteoporosis. It is important to get a bone density test done in those above the age of 50 to assess the risk of acquiring this disorder. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “If a female is postmenopausal, she needs an osteoporosis evaluation. In premenopausal women, in presence of risk factors, osteoporosis evaluation should be done; more the risk factors, more the chances of developing osteoporosis in future. To overcome osteoporosis, one must remember the following mnemonic, ABCDE: A means adequate sunlight, B means avoiding bone toxins, C means adequate calcium, D means fortification or supplementation of Vitamin D and E means exercise.” The upcoming Perfect Health Mela being organized by HCFI, to be held from 4th to 8th October 2017 at the Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi will provide a platform to discuss many of these health issues. IMA is the knowledge partner for the event. It is a must visit for those interested in learning more about preventive health and well-being. The Mela will also have free health camps for checking various health parameters. The following tips can help prevent the risk of osteoporosis at an early age. • Avoid bone toxins, namely, alcohol and smoking. Smoking is dangerous as it accelerates bone destruction. Excess of 80 ml of alcohol or 80 gm of alcohol can accelerate bone destruction. • Start Vitamin D supplementation right from when boys and girls are in the school going age. Remember, osteoporosis begins in the school going age but manifests later in life. • Three yoga exercises namely, Surya Namaskar, Tadasana and Vrakshasana, which involve standing on your toes or weight bearing on your toes, are good to avoid osteoporosis. • An adequate intake of protein in diet, combined with an adequate intake of calcium helps increase bone density. One should aim for about 12% of calories to come from proteins such as legumes, poultry, seafood, meat, dairy products, nuts and seeds.

Vitamin D supplementation: Choose vitamin D3 over D2

Vitamin D supplementation: Choose vitamin D3 over D2 Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in India, almost in epidemic proportions. There are several reasons for deficiency of vitamin D. Lack of food fortification policies and more commonly our sociocultural practices, ‘sun-fleeing’ behavior, are major factors contributing to deficiency of this ‘sunshine vitamin’ in India which has abundant sunshine. Many people are unaware that they are vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D, as we know, is essential for bone health. Evidence has also demonstrated its role in chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, infertility, dementia and autism, among others. There are two forms of vitamin D: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). D2 is plant-based and D3 is derived from animal sources. Vitamin D levels below 20 ng/ml need to be treated and are an indication for vitamin D supplementation. The question arises which one to choose: vitamin D2 or D3? Several international guidelines have recommended either D2 or D3 for vitamin D deficient patients stating that the two forms of vitamin D are equivalent and are equivalent in their effectiveness in treating patients with low vitamin D levels. However, findings of a new randomized-controlled trial from the UK have raised questions on these recommendations as the study found that vitamin D3 was twice as effective in increasing levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) compared to vitamin D2 at a low dose of 15 μg daily. In the study published online July 5, 2017 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vitamin D3 fortified foods (juice, biscuits) during winters led to higher serum 25[OH]D levels after 12 weeks of supplementation compared to D2 fortified foods (juice, biscuits) in healthy South Asian and white European women. Vitamin D levels in women who received vitamin D3 via juice or a biscuit increased by 75% and 74%, respectively vs those who were given D2 through the same methods. Those given D2 saw an increase of 33% and 34% over the course of the 12-week intervention. Therefore, D3 should be the preferred form when advising vitamin D supplementation as it is the most effective form of increasing vitamin D levels in the body. Even low doses of vitamin D3 are effective in achieving the desired levels as demonstrated in this study. Sources 1. University of Surrey, Eurekalert Press Release, July 5, 2017. 2. Tripkovic L, et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 2017 Jul 5. Epub ahead of print Dr KK Aggarwal National President IMA & HCFI

Vitamin D deficiency highly prevalent among Indians

Vitamin D deficiency highly prevalent among Indians About 70% Indians highly deficient in the sunshine vitamin New Delhi, 05 May 2017: According to recent studies, about 65% to 70% of Indians are deficient in the sunshine vitamin or Vitamin D, with another 15% being insufficient. Despite the fact that India is a country with abundant sunshine, Vitamin D deficiency is reaching epidemic proportions, warn experts. Vitamin D is not just a simple vitamin but a steroid hormone impacting virtually every cell in the body. It is essential for the absorption of calcium and for maintaining bone health, and our body synthesizes this vitamin on exposure to sunshine. Vitamin D is one of most essential vitamins required by our body. Lack of sun exposure not only causes Vitamin D deficiency but can also make you SAD, literally. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) happens mostly during monsoon and winter when sun exposure is at its minimum. It makes you feel low and lethargic. Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, "People today lead a very fast-paced, stressful, and unhealthy life. With long working hours, they have little or zero time for outdoor activities, which is one of the major reasons for the lack of Vitamin D in the body. Low levels of this vitamin can harm the bones and make them thin, brittle, soft, or misshapen. Apart from this, Vitamin D is essential for the heart, brain, immune function, and much more. A deficiency of this vitamin can lead to rickets, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and other infections." A study published in the Osteoporosis International and British Journal of Dermatology found that even after 30 minutes of exposure to sunlight everyday for 30 days both in summer and winter, the body could not process adequate Vitamin D. And this is where supplements for Vitamin D become necessary. While Vitamin D deficiency affects people of all ages and both genders, women are found to be more prone to this deficiency as compared to men. Thus, women especially breastfeeding mothers must be encouraged to take Vitamin D supplementation as it benefits both the mother and the child. Adequate sun exposure, as well as a balanced diet, can go a long way in helping to maintain optimum Vitamin D levels. In addition to this, supplementation and food fortification are necessary. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, "Vitamin D is of two kinds. Vitamin D2 or Ergocalciferol is found in food items and Vitamin D3 or Cholecalciferol is manufactured in the body with the help of sunlight. Both are equally important. If we can get D2 from food, our body can produce Vitamin D3 even with a little exposure to the sun." Some other sources of Vitamin D include the following. • Cod liver oil : Obtained from the liver of the cod fish, cod liver oil is considered extremely healthy. Taken either in the capsule or oil form, it helps ease joint pains. • Mushrooms : These are a great source of Vitamin D3 as also low in calorie. Thus, even those watching their weight can eat this. • Salmon : Not only is salmon rich in D3 but also Omega 3 and protein. • Sunflowers seeds : They have Vitamin D3 as also monounsaturated fats and protein.