A recent Indian study has shown that vitamin D deficiency affects women more than men due to a combination of biological, hormonal, and lifestyle factors. The study, published in The Times of India, indicates that these differences make women more susceptible to fatigue, weak bones, and mood disorders. Vitamin D, known as the 'sunshine vitamin,' is essential for bone health, immunity, and mental well-being. However, most women do not get enough of it, despite its importance in regulating hormones and energy in the body. The primary reason is the difference in vitamin storage between the sexes. Women have a higher percentage of body fat than men, and since vitamin D is fat-soluble, it is less available in the blood for effective use. Therefore, even with sun exposure or consumption of vitamin-rich foods, a large portion is stored in fat and becomes inactive. Meanwhile, men use it more efficiently, making women need larger amounts through diet or supplements. The study also highlighted a hormonal factor. Estrogen helps vitamin D perform its function in calcium absorption and bone maintenance. However, fluctuations in estrogen levels in women throughout their lives—from puberty through pregnancy to menopause—reduce the vitamin's effectiveness, especially when it drops before and after menopause, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, a woman's need for vitamin D increases to support the baby's bone growth and immune system. The baby is entirely dependent on the mother's stores, which can lead to deficiency in both if not compensated with supplements, a recommendation doctors usually make for pregnant and nursing women. The modern lifestyle is an additional factor in deficiency. Women have less sun exposure due to spending most of their time indoors, using sunscreens, and living in crowded cities that limit direct sunlight access. Furthermore, restricted or vegetarian diets that exclude fish and dairy products reduce the intake of natural vitamin sources. The study concludes that vitamin D deficiency in women can develop gradually without clear symptoms, causing general fatigue, mood swings, and weakened immunity. It calls for regular check-ups and supplement intake to compensate for the deficiency and maintain bone health and overall vitality.
