📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Dr. Chirag Singh
Health
Over 40% of Haryana Athletes Found Vitamin D Deficient, PGIMS Study Shows
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 26 Aug 2026, 03:36 AM
👁 2
A PGIMS‑Rohtak study reveals that more than four in ten athletes from Haryana have insufficient vitamin D levels, prompting health officials to call for screening and supplementation.
The Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS) in Rohtak has released findings indicating that over 40% of athletes representing Haryana are deficient in vitamin D. The research, which surveyed a sample of state‑level sportspersons, highlighted a widespread shortfall that could affect muscle strength, bone health and overall performance.
Vitamin D deficiency is known to impair calcium absorption and weaken the immune system, factors that are critical for athletes engaged in high‑intensity training. Experts associated with the study warned that prolonged insufficiency may increase the risk of injuries and slow recovery times.
In response, health authorities in Haryana are urging sports federations to incorporate routine vitamin D screening for athletes. Recommendations include increased safe sun exposure, dietary adjustments to include fortified foods, and, where necessary, supplementation under medical supervision.
The PGIMS team plans to extend the investigation to other regions and sports disciplines to better understand the scope of the issue and to formulate targeted intervention strategies.
Vitamin D deficiency is known to impair calcium absorption and weaken the immune system, factors that are critical for athletes engaged in high‑intensity training. Experts associated with the study warned that prolonged insufficiency may increase the risk of injuries and slow recovery times.
In response, health authorities in Haryana are urging sports federations to incorporate routine vitamin D screening for athletes. Recommendations include increased safe sun exposure, dietary adjustments to include fortified foods, and, where necessary, supplementation under medical supervision.
The PGIMS team plans to extend the investigation to other regions and sports disciplines to better understand the scope of the issue and to formulate targeted intervention strategies.