Close to two years of work from home (WFH) has altered many aspects of life. Although one might feel relatively safe about limited in-person interaction, the new norm has come at a cost. Remote working can have a huge impact on energy levels as it blurs the line between personal and professional, leaving one unable to switch off. In fact, many have been complaining of fatigue and lethargy, leading to tiredness after doing ‘regular’ work. Lack of motivation levels may not always be the reason; low Vitamin D levels could be causing energy reserves to slowly dwindle.
Orthopaedicians say that since people are seldom stepping out of their homes, their exposure to sunlight has reduced, leading to low levels of Vitamin D. “Vitamin D plays a role in calcium metabolism, maintaining bone strength, strong teeth, fertility and immunity. Its deficiency could lead to generalised body aches, weakness, fatigability, lower backache, multiple joint aches and fibromyalgia. A prolonged period of this vitamin deficiency could lead to osteoporosis and fractures,” said regenerative orthopedic surgeon Kolla Saketh.
Being home-bound and living in a house with no source of direct sunlight adds to the problem. In urban spaces where independent homes and flats are closely packed, people have to pay a price to live in spaces with good source of sunlight. Dietary deficiency and malabsorption syndromes could also lead to the deficiency. General physicians have earlier said that low levels of other vitamins, too, could lead to low energy levels and, often, irritability.
Dr Saketh and other orthopaedicians have come across people who have complained of weakness and body aches, and were detected with low levels of Vitamin D. Experts, however, differ on the best time of day to absorb sunlight.
Apart from sunlight, other natural sources of vitamin D are cod liver oil and fish. The vitamin levels can be checked through a blood test. Based on the levels, doctors prescribe the dosage and time interval to take supplements of Vitamin D.
Dr Saketh says after correcting Vitamin D deficiency, it is appropriate to take a maintenance dose every month as advised to prevent the vitamin levels from dropping again.
While the younger population have an option to step out, many elderly persons prefer to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
Professor of Orthopaedics at Owaisi Hospitals, Mazharuddin Ali Khan says deficiency of vitamin D in old age could lead to osteoporosis, and pathological fractures, which means that bones become so weak that they crack even with little exertion. His advice for the elderly is to undergo blood test twice a year for early detection of the issue.
