Dhaka, July 11: A seminar on Vitamin D deficiency was held on 11 July 2019 at Kurmitola General Hospital (KGH), Dhaka Cantonment, jointly organized by Dept. of Medicine, Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) and Kurmitola General Hospital (KGH). Brig Gen Md. Abdur Razzak, Prof and Head, Dept. of Medicine, AFMC and Asst. Prof Dr. Md. Abdullahel Kafee, Dept of Medicine, KGH were speakers in the seminar.
Maj Gen Md. Fashiur Rahman, Director General Medical Services graced the occasion as chief guest. Maj Gen Md. Azizul Islam, Consultant Physician General was present as special guest. The program was chaired by Maj Gen Md. Mustafizur Rahman, Commandant, Armed Forces Medical College. It was started with the welcome address of Brig Gen Quazi Md. Rashid-Un- Nabi, Director of Kurmitola General Hospital.
The speakers highlighted the various aspects of Vitamin D. Currently Vitamin D deficiency is a global health problem and an ignored and underdiagnosed epidemic. 80-90% of world population have been suffering from Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. The main source of Vitamin D is ultraviolet ray of sunlight. Other sources include fatty and seafish, cod liver oil, beef liver, egg yolk, milk, butter, cheese, mushroom and fortified food products like cereals, bread, yoghurt, oatmeal etc. The main role of Vitamin D is to increase calcium absorption from the gut and bone formation. It has also immunomodulatory and anti-cancer effects. Elderly and homebound people, lack of sun exposure, using sunscreen or clothing covering the whole body (Veil, Burka, Hijab, Niqab etc.), strict vegetarian diet, lack of Vitamin D containing food and malabsorption etc are responsible for Vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D deficiency causes Ricket in children and Osteomalacia in adult. Other health hazards are backache, myalgia, muscle weakness, increased chance of cancer, immunological diseases (SLE, Rheumatoid Arthritis), infection, dental problem, neuropsychiatric disorders (Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinsonism, Multiple Sclerosis, Schizophrenia) and feto-maternal complications etc. Vitamin D deficiency can be easily treated by supplementation of Vitamin D. It can be prevented by health awareness, lifestyle modification, sun exposure, intake of Vitamin D containing food and also long term supplementation in case of vulnerable groups. Speakers, chief guest, special guest and chairperson gave more emphasis on the preventive aspect.
All the doctors of KGH and Head of the departments of AFMC & senior officers from CMH, Dhaka were present. Newly passed Intern doctors of AFMC, currently working in CMH, Dhaka and KGH were given reception in the program which was sponsored by Beximco Pharmaceuticals Limited.
