Pathology consultation service -Dr Sunita Samleti, Oncopathologist

Vitamin D: A silent deficiency in a sunny country Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide, yet it often goes unnoticed. Many women live with low vitamin D levels for months or even years because the symptoms can be subtle, gradual, or mistaken for everyday stress and fatigue. Vitamin D plays a vital role in maintaining healthy bones by helping the body absorb calcium, but its benefits extend much further. It supports muscle function, immune health, and overall well-being. Women may be at increased risk of deficiency due to factors such as limited sun exposure, spending more time indoors, darker skin pigmentation, consistent use of sunscreen, pregnancy, breastfeeding, obesity, and certain medical conditions that reduce vitamin D absorption. Postmenopausal women are also at higher risk because declining estrogen levels can accelerate bone loss. How do you know that you might have vitamin D deficiency: • Persistent fatigue or low energy • Muscle aches or weakness • Bone or back pain • Frequent infections • Low mood or depressive symptoms • Slow wound healing • Hair thinning in some individuals Because these symptoms are nonspecific, many people do not realize vitamin D deficiency may be contributing to how they feel. Myths: There are certain misconceptions. "I get enough sunlight because I live in India." Fact: Living in a sunny country does not automatically mean you have adequate vitamin D. Spending most of the day indoors, coverin Aug 22, 2026