Authors : Thakngam Wangsu, Keleriano Keleriano, Hirak Jyoti Dutta, Nani Obey
DOI : 10.36346/sarjmb.2025.v06i04.002
Volume : 6
Issue : 4
Year : 2025
Page No : 71-75
Vitamin D, often referred to as the "sunshine vitamin’’. Vitamin D is essential for various health conditions, such as bone health and immune function. It can be synthesized by the body through exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, which comes from sunlight. Unfortunately, despite India's abundance of sunshine, vitamin D deficiency is still prevalent in the country. This review explores the multifaceted factors contributing to vitamin D deficiency in rural regions, with a special focus on Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh. Despite its high-altitude location, environmental conditions such as cold weather and overcast skies, coupled with cultural habits like traditional clothing and limited dietary diversity, may restrict adequate ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure. By synthesizing data from rural India and contextualizing it for Ziro, this paper highlights the biochemical implications of deficiency, proposes public health interventions like supplementation and fortification, and underscores the need for region-specific research to address tribal health disparities.