Why Vitamin D Deficiency Diseases are Common in UAE?

Due to the geographical location, climate, and time zone of the United Arab Emirates, it has become a home to more than 204,000 people, and the number of UAE residents that have the vitamin deficiency disease is increasing each day.

Low vitamin D levels in the blood are the most common medical condition in the world creating problems for 8 out of every 10 people. Vitamin D deficiency means that bones and muscles do not get enough vitamin D to be at their best, creating weakness, fragility, and pain. Despite being a well-known medical condition in UAE, it is rarely tested for and can leave you suffering indefinitely unless you test your levels.

Why Vitamin D Deficiency Diseases are Common in UAE?

Vitamin D deficiency diseases are common in UAE because the vitamin D level in the body varies according to geographic location. Vitamin D is found in very few foods and is needed to grow strong bones, absorb calcium and phosphorous, reduce the risk of osteoporosis and keep teeth healthy.

The best sources of vitamin D are oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines but it is also found in eggs, meat, and fortified cereals.

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets in children (a condition where bones become soft and misshapen) and Osteomalacia in adults (a condition where bones become weak).

Having a higher vitamin D level is associated with better health. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with many health problems, including osteoporosis, rickets, osteomalacia (softening of bones), muscle weakness, and bone loss.

Vitamin D deficiency is a common health issue in the Middle East.

The best way to get vitamin D is by exposing your skin to sunlight for about 20 minutes each day. If you live in an area where it is very hot or cloudy most of the time, then you may need to take a supplement or eat foods that contain vitamin D.

Vitamin D is essential for absorbing calcium, which is needed for healthy bones. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone problems, like osteoporosis and rickets (a disease that causes soft, malformed bones).

In the UAE, people are more likely to get vitamin D deficiency because:

• They live far from the equator (the sun shines directly on the equator all year long)

• They cover their skin with clothing or sunscreen

• They don’t eat enough vitamin-D rich foods or take vitamin D supplements

UVB radiation that penetrates through clouds or glass

Vitamin D deficiency is common among people who live in areas where sunlight exposure is limited, such as northern latitudes (above 35 degrees).

The amount of UVB radiation that penetrates through clouds or glass depends on:

• Cloud cover

• Time of day (UVB radiation from sunlight peaks at midday, but remains strong throughout the day)

• Altitude (at higher altitudes, UVB radiation is weaker)

• Season (UVB radiation is stronger during summer months)