Correlation of vitamin D and calcium status: Case study of the women in the tea plantations of Assam, India

Abstract

Vitamin D and calcium are interrelated in terms of concentration and activity in the human body. Deficiency of these nutrients has serious health consequences, often resulting in skeletal diseases like osteoporosis, osteomalacia and non-skeletal diseases like diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cancer. Vitamin D and calcium deficiencies have been precarious in many rural areas across India. The present study is carried out to determine the status of vitamin D and calcium among women residing in one of the most vulnerable areas of Assam i.e. tea plantations. An attempt to study the association between vitamin D and calcium is also made. 370 women working in two tea estates are selected. Serum vitamin D and calcium status are estimated through standard protocols with the help of technicians. Results showed significantly low status of both vitamin D and calcium among the women when compared to standards. Further, positive correlation and linear regression coefficients determine direct proportionate relationship between the nutrients. Prolonged deficiency in both these nutrients could have severe potential threats to their health and productivity. The study highlights the need to sensitize these rural women regarding this health issue prevailing among them and ways to bring about its eradication.