Thoughts on the aetiology of vitamin D deficiency in Asians

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Abstract
Summary: Following the virtual elimination of vitamin D deficiency in Britain earlier this century, rickets and osteomalacia began to be recognized with increasing frequency in the early sixties (Dunnigan et al., 1962). The disease was almost entirely restricted to Asian subjects and was subsequently reported in all cities having a significant Asian population. The purpose of this review is to point out that most current theories not only fail to explain the occurrence of vitamin D deficiency in Asians, but also cannot adequately explain the deficiency occurring in liver and gastrointestinal disorders. A theory is put forward that more completely encompasses the known facts.