Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics Hosts Interactive Expert Session on Vitamin D Crisis: From Childhood to Adulthood

Suraksha Diagnostic Limited (“Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics”), the largest diagnostic chain of Eastern India. conducted an interactive expert session on ‘Vitamin D Crisis: From Childhood to Adulthood’ at its Ekbalpore centre, in the presence of eminent doctors such as Dr. Soumodip Das, Department: General Medicine, MBBS, CCATH UK, CCEBDM CAL , SAAC USA Consultant at Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics, Ekbalpur Centre, and Dr. Shouvik Bardhan, Orthopaedic department, MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics), MRCS (Part A), Consultant at Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics, Ekbalpur Centre.

In the session, doctors discussed how Vitamin D deficiency is a silent and widespread crisis which spans from childhood to adulthood, driven by sedentary indoor lifestyles, limited sun exposure, and lack of dietary intake. It is the cause of rickets/growth issues in children and softening of bones in adults, besides increasing risks of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular issues and diabetes.

As per studies, India is facing a Vitamin D deficiency crisis, where mood changes, poor immunity, bone pain, fatigue, and muscle weakness are often defined as aging, stress, and lifestyle issues, whereas they may be signs of Vitamin D deficiency. The majority of the people in India spend their time in indoor environments where sunscreen use and pollution block absorption. As per a report, fear of tanning makes people stay indoors, reducing their exposure to sunlight, which is essential to cope up with Vitamin D deficiency. Mood swings, fatigue, and menstrual discomfort often improve after enhancing Vitamin D levels in the body, for women.
Suraksha Diagnostic Limited (“Suraksha Clinic & Diagnostics”) offers tests for diagnosing deficiency of Vitamin D, with the availability of home collection test services.

Low-level and chronic deficiency accelerates bone density loss, resulting in osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and a higher risk of falls. It is also associated with hypertension, autoimmune disorders, and certain cancers.
Vitamin D deficiency in adults is a silent pandemic that affects more than 1 billion people across the world, with prevalence rates as high as 70-100% in regions such as India. Vitamin D deficiency is considered a significant health crisis as Vitamin D is essential for bone health.
As per studies, around 1 in 2 Indians above the age of 45 years report joint pain. According to studies conducted in rural South India, there was a nearly 34.6% prevalence of knee osteoarthritis among adults who were aged 40 years and above. Women are reported to be at a higher risk, with one study exhibiting a 55% prevalence of knee osteoarthritis in women above 40 years, which is often associated with hormonal changes due to menopause. In the next 10 years, as per experts, knee arthritis will be the 4th most common cause leading to physical disability in India. Studies also suggest that over 50% of people who are in their 30s display early cartilage damage signs on MRI scans.
Some of the major factors resulting in joint issues in India in people above 40 years of age group are sedentary lifestyles and obesity, vitamin D deficiency, weak muscles, untreated previous injuries, poor posture, cultural habits, and others.

Vitamin D deficiency is easier to identify and treat. However, people need to be more aware of its symptoms, causes, and implications. Symptoms such as chronic fatigue despite good sleep, muscle weakness, difficulty in focusing or concentrating, should lead to immediate screening, especially in women, adults, and individuals with sedentary lifestyles.
Speaking on Vitamin D deficiency among children, Dr. Soumodip Das said: “Vitamin D deficiency in children doesn’t just weaken bones — it silently limits growth, immunity, and the foundation of a healthy future.”
“Vitamin D deficiency is a silent epidemic. By improving awareness, sunlight exposure, and proper supplementation, we can significantly reduce fractures, osteoporosis, and musculoskeletal pain in our population” said Dr. Shouvik Bardhan.
Sharing his thoughts on the same, Dr. Somnath Chatterjee, Chairman & Joint Managing Director, Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics, said “With this expert session, Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics aims to raise awareness surrounding Vitamin D deficiency from childhood to adulthood.”
Individuals showing symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency should go through regular testing, intentional sun exposure, better dietary habits, and others.
About Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics
Established in 1992, Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics is one of Eastern India’s leading diagnostic providers and today ranks as the third largest diagnostic brand in India across both pathology and non-pathology services. Offering a comprehensive portfolio of over 2,300 diagnostic tests spanning pathology, radiology, and medical consultancy services, Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics has built a strong reputation for trust and clinical excellence. It is empaneled under the Central Government Health Scheme and offers diagnostic services under the West Bengal Health Scheme. Its central reference laboratory is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and it also holds NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories). Certain advanced diagnostic centres are accredited by NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers), and the diagnostic services are backed by ISCO certifications for operational quality.
The organisation operates a central reference laboratory, nearly eight satellite laboratories, 65 advanced diagnostic outlets across four states, and approximately 166 sample collection centres across West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, and Meghalaya. Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics’ commitment to technological advancement is reflected in its adoption of AI-enabled smart laboratories and digital platforms, streamlining operations and enhancing patient care.