PCOM: 3 out of 5 office workers are vitamin D-deficient

Three out of five office workers in Metro Manila are vitamin D-deficient, leaving them at heightened risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, hypertension, diabetes and various cardiovascular diseases.

According to a statement by Unilab Philippines on Friday, the deficiency is due to prolonged indoor stays, depriving them of the vitamin naturally-absorbed through exposure from the sun.

“Apart from staying indoors for most parts of the day, habitually wearing long-sleeved clothing and slacks or pants, using too much sunscreen, and eating barely enough of vitamin D-rich foods, environmental factors are also at play,” said Dr. Marilou Renales, director of the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine (PCOM).

The study, which started in 2013, read that out of 369 office workers, 58 percent were vitamin D-deficient, while 30 percent had insufficient levels of vitamin D.

Presented during the 36th annual national convention of PCOM, the same study disclosed that the natural tan of Filipinos meant they produce more melanin, which naturally blocks ultraviolet rays from damaging the skin.

“Melanin, while serving as a protective barrier for the skin against ultraviolet (UV) light, also works to block the sun’s rays, which is needed to activate vitamin D in the body," said Dr. Alejandro Diaz of the Philippine Neurological Association.

He continued, "Studies have proven that there is a direct correlation between melanin levels and vitamin D production, with melanin affecting the skin’s ability to synthesize vitamin D. Thus the darker the skin, the less vitamin D is produced."

To improve health, doctors recommended taking vitamin D supplements to boost their levels. Researchers from the University of Southampton found out that exposure to good sunlight, along with the added benefit of lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, will increase vitamin D production naturally. — VC, GMA News