Vitamin d for bone health - Chandigarh

Vitamin D Levels

Vitamin D levels change throughout the year. Your levels are highest in late summer and lowest at the end of winter. Healthy Bones India recommends a vitamin D level of at least 50 nmol/L throughout the year.
Your doctor may test your vitamin D level (with a blood test) if you are at risk of vitamin D deficiency.
People at risk include:

Adults mainly indoors due to health or work
Naturally dark skinned (darker skin reduces the penetration of UV light)
Sun avoiders due to skin protection or medical advice
Covering body for cultural or religious reasons
Medical conditions which can impact the ability to absorb / process vitamin D
Elderly, housebound or in residential care
Pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Vitamin D Supplements
For people with low vitamin D levels a supplement may be required as advised by your doctor or pharmacist. Low vitamin D levels can be easily corrected but may take several months to improve. Vitamin D supplements are available as tablets, capsules, drops or liquid. Most vitamin D supplements are vitamin ‘D3’ and the standard dose is in International Units (IU). Your doctor will advise you on the appropriate dose required and your pharmacist can provide general advice on vitamin D supplements.

Low vitamin D causes what?

Low vitamin D levels can cause health issues, for example – low absorption of calcium consumed which can impact bones, issues during pregnancy, links to depression, and in severe cases, rickets.

For more information consult our experts Dr Ritesh Khokhar at Fortis Hospital, Mohali