Vitamin D Deficiency in Indo-Canadian Population

Abstract

Vitamin D is obtained by the body from UV radiation from the sun and is compulsory for bone formation. Insufficient intake of Vitamin D results in fragile bones. Insufficient intake is more common among immigrant populations in Canada due to decrease in sun exposure.  

Immigrants and refugees from non-Western countries are more likely than the general population to suffer from vitamin D deficiency and rickets. Up to 50% of people with non-Western origins may have severe vitamin D insufficiency. Due to the sometimes overwhelming sunshine in their country of origin, they are not used to sunlight exposure. A study looked at the vitamin D status, bone mineral content, and vitamin D consumption of immigrant kids in Saskatchewan. The prevalence of inadequate intakes of calcium and vitamin D was 76% and 89.4%, respectively, in the sample. The Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) also demonstrated the prevalence of the deficiency in the immigrant population in Canada. A quantitative survey was conducted with 82 participants - exploring their awareness and intake of vitamin D in daily life. 

It was found that with age the diagnosis of the deficiency increased. Moreover, sun exposure had an inverse relationship with diagnosis of the deficiency. The study confirmed the work conducted by CHMS in the immigrant population from India in Oakville, Canada.