While the role of Vitamin D deficiency in blood pressure, obesity and even heart ailments is very well documented, a recent study by a group of doctors from Hyderabad has thrown a new light in the role of Vitamin D.
According to this study, which was accepted in ‘Journal of Stroke’ and was published recently, says that Vitamin D deficiency is also closely associated with brain strokes.
The study said that out of 250 brain stroke patients, who participated in the research conducted over a period of two years, 122 had Vitamin D deficiency. The researchers pointed out that the association of Vitamin D to strokes once again proves the need for greater advocacy among the general public about the need to frequently check for its levels.
“Vitamin D is being increasingly associated with a host of ailments including cardiovascular diseases. Our study proves that in addition to other ailments, Vitamin D is also associated with strokes. A wider sample and large scale of interventional studies are needed to further confirm our findings,” says senior neurologist Dr. Jaydip Ray Choudhari, who headed the research.
The research, which was conducted by the team of neurologists and general physicians of Yashoda Hospitals and Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), also threw some more interesting figures. Out of the 250 stroke patients, 57 per cent were hypertensive, 50 per cent were diabetics, 35 per cent were smokers and 30 per cent were known alcoholics.
“The study proves that like smoking, blood pressure and diabetes, Vitamin D is also linked to strokes. It is an indication for health care providers to frequently check for Vitamin D levels in patients. There is a need for awareness among public,” says former Superintendent of Gandhi Hospital, Dr. B. Balraju, the second lead of the study.
Ironically, 75 to 80 per cent of body’s Vitamin D supply is met by sunlight. “Unfortunately, not many are getting exposed to sun because of their working habits and lifestyle. One must learn to include outdoor activity of at least 20 to 30 minutes in their daily routine,” Dr. Jaydip advised. The ideal daily need of Vitamin D for human body is between 1,000 and 2,000 IU (International Units) per day.
