Dubai: According to a recent study on Vitamin D, nearly 90 percent of the UAE residents is Vitamin-D deficient.
Speaking on Thursday at a three day Dubai Nutrition Conference Wafa Ayesh, Director of Clinical Nutrition of Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and chairperson of the third edition of Dubai Nutrition Conference said over 90 percent of Dubai residents lack in Vitamin D and that now the food industries are directed to fortify their milk, dairy products, juices with Vitamin D.
The two-year ongoing Vitamin D study being conducted in Dubai in collaboration with American endocrinologist Professor Michael Holick, the Dubai Health Authority has now planned to conduct a 22-week food education programme in nurseries to train the parents on how to administer their children with a balanced diet.
“This is part of our DHA innovation series. For instance, a child requires 1.5gm protein per kilogram of the body weight and requires several other micro-nutrients such as iron, Vitamin A, B, C, D and K. The best way to do this on a ‘plate visual’ is to have half the plate full of fruits and vegetables, and the other half full of grains and proteins. The child must have three meals and two snacks in a day and have milk or other dairy products with each of these meals. Fats and sugars are to be at a minimum and the fat must come from poly- or mono-saturated sources. All hydrogenated fats must be avoided,” Ayesh said.
Also speaking at the conference and alerting people of effects of Vitamin D deficiency Professor Holick said: “Vitamin D deficiency is a major health issue around the world and adults require to have 2,000 units of Vitamin D per day. Pregnant women who have a Vitamin D deficiency have a higher risk of pre-eclampsia and premature delivery. Studies also indicate that women born to Vitamin D-deficient women can suffer from conditions such as schizophrenia, asthma and some forms of development disorders. Children from the age of one year up to their teenage years require 600-1,000 units of Vitamin D per day. If a person is obese, he or she requires two to three times the stipulated amount of Vitamin D.
“It is also indicated that if a child is deficient in Vitamin D for the first 10 years of life, he or she is likely to suffer from multiple sclerosis and has an 88 percent risk of developing Type I or 33 per cent risk of Type II diabetes.”
Ayesh stressed on the simple lifestyle changes could help people overcome the Vitamin D deficiency.
She said, “In the UAE, absorption of Vitamin D is possible in sunlight only from 10am to 3pm. People need to expose nearly 40 percent of their skin, avoid wearing a sunscreen and face sunlight for 30 minutes in a day within these hours. Those with lighter skin can do with exposure for just 15 minutes. Having 12 almonds a day can help you replenish your Vitamin D reserves. Those with severe Vitamin D deficiency might require injections or supplements that are also fortified with magnesium as this micronutrient helps in better absorption of Vitamin D.”
The three-day conference was inaugurated by Humaid Mohammad Obaid Al Qutami, chairman of the board of directors and director-general of DHA.
Speaking at the conference, Humaid Mohammed explained the ill effects of deficiency and malnutrition which could possibly lead to diseases chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and types of cancers and also the importance of a balanced nutrition.
He said, “It is the objective of this conference to promote healthy nutritional pattern and behavioural changes, have correct image of food that will lead to enhancement in public health and fitness and help in reducing the cost of health by preventing diseases.”
Also adding that the ongoing Dubai Fitness Challenge campaign is reflecting the true spirit of the country and also motivating the UAE residents to have a healthy lifestyle.
Few Vitamin D facts for UAE residents:
Best time to absorb sun: 10am-3pm
At least expose 40% of the skin surface to the sun for sunlight absorption.
Face the sunlight for 30 minutes. Light-skinned individuals should do a 15-minute sun exposure.
Consume at least 12 almonds a day.
Dangers and effects of Vitamin D deficiency in individuals:
Pregnant women with low Vitamin D are at the risk of delivering premature babies and also pre-eclampsia.
Children born to Vitamin D-deficient mothers are at risk, can suffer from various disorders such as schizophrenia, asthma and some forms of developmental disorders.
First 10 years of life:
Vitamin D deficiency in Child likely makes him suffer from multiple sclerosis later in his life.
88% are at the risk of developing Type I Diabetes with nearly 33% is at the risk of developing Type II diabetes.
Newborns with Vitamin D deficiency:
The standard amount of Vitamin D newborn should get is around 600-1,000 units of Vitamin D per day up from 1 year up to teenage.