One in five Indians may be suffering from Vitamin D deficiency with women, children, and the elderly among the most vulnerable. The research also found that the issue is particularly alarming in the Eastern region, where the prevalence is as high as 38.81%.
The research published by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) and ANVKA Foundation also said that the deficiency is more prevalent in urban than in rural areas.
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“Vitamin D deficiency is a silent epidemic affecting millions, yet it remains largely overlooked. Its impacts extend far beyond weak bones – it burdens families, strains the health system and undermines our national health goals,” Dr Aashish Chaudhry, Managing Director of Aakash Healthcare and co-author of the study, said.
The researchers also blamed the deficiency on factors like high-rise buildings, indoor work culture, air pollution, and the widespread use of sunscreen. Besides this, expensive testing, 18 per cent GST on supplements also contribute to the falling levels.
Doctors warn that without timely intervention, the deficiency could contribute to a spike in preventable diseases.
