Continuing clinically severe vitamin D deficiency in Asians in the UK (Leicester)

Abstract

Deprivational vitamin D deficiency began to be noted in immigrant Asians in the early 1960s. Although there have been suggestions that the level of this problem may be declining, we describe a number of clinical cases seen over a consecutive 31 year period. Musculoskeletal symptoms were the commonest though there were a variety of medical presentations requiring hospital referral. Most of the cases were Hindu vegetarians. There is likely to be significant underdiagnosis of this condition. In spite of the extensive medical, social and political attention this condition has received, our study shows that vitamin D deficiency continues to persist in certain Asians in a clinically florid fashion. An effective preventative policy is long overdue.