Singla, NeerjaKaushal, Swati2023-07-062023-07-062023Kaushal, Swati (2023). Vitamin D profile and bone health of field workers as affected by dietary and lifestyle factors (Unpublished M.Sc. thesis). Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India.https://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810198004The present study was undertaken to investigate vitamin D profile and bone health of field workers as affected by dietary and lifestyle factors. A total of hundred field workers in age group of 30-50 years (including 50 males and 50 females) were selected for the study. About 96% participants had Vitamin D Deficiency (VDD) while 4% were vitamin D insufficient with mean serum vitamin D concentration of 17.02 ng/mL. Higher prevalence of VDD was observed among males (98%) as compared to females (94%). Despite of adequate serum calcium levels, majority was found to be osteoporotic (53%). The prolonged daily sun exposure of about 4.9 hours resulted in higher mean Sun Exposure Index (SEI) of 41.5% BSA hour per day but mean Body Surface Area (BSA%) exposed was limited to 8.4% due to winter clothing and use of sun protective measures among the subjects. Although having high Physical Activity Level (PAL) of 1.97, the majority (86%) had dark skin (type V), which might have resulted in a stronger blocking impact of melanin on vitamin D production. About 42% of the subjects were vegetarians and share of everyday consumers of vitamin D rich sources was lower. None of the subjects consumed vitamin D fortified foods. Higher dietary phytates coupled with lower dietary calcium resulted in higher mean phytate calcium ratio (2.05). Atmospheric factors during study period such as UV index (<3), latitude (30.9°N), Asian brown cloud might have resulted in lowering of availability of sunlight for optimal vitamin D synthesis. The subjects had a low Knowledge Attitude Practice (KAP) score due to their lower education level. Hence, educational awareness programmes, effective food fortification strategies and sensible sun exposure guidelines are necessary for improving vitamin D status.EnglishThesis