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DBT propose to support research on 'Vitamin D deficiency in India: public health significance and interventions'

 

Clinical courses

In view of the recent reports of escalating burden of biochemical VDD and its known skeletal and potential extra-skeletal effects, the Department of Biotechnology proposes to support research on its public health significance and potential interventions to address this malady.

Vitamin D deficiency [VDD] is prevalent globally and the data for last two decades suggests that it may be widespread in India as well. VDD is essential for bone health, and has a role in calcium homeostasis.

The thrust areas of this research programme include representative national prevalence data of vitamin D deficiency specifically correlated with functional outcomes (biological consequences), especially in vulnerable populations including pregnant and lactating women, infants and elderly and from rural and coastal areas; novel functional markers of vitamin D deficiency and point of care assays; benefits (skeletal and extra-skeletal) and safety (potential adverse effects) of vitamin D supplementation and fortification; and mechanistically understand the effects of vitamin D deficiency, in various cells/tissues. This research also include potential vegetarian dietary sources and bioavailability of vitamin D; role of other nutrients, especially calcium, in determining requirements and biological functioning of vitamin D; non-dietary interventions including sunshine exposure and exercise in alleviating vitamin D deficiency; and genetic determinants of vitamin D metabolism and their association with biological consequences.

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