A meta-analysis by the Indian Council for research on international economic relations suggests that one in five Indians suffer from very low levels of vitamin D.

While the incident of vitamin D deficiency is increasing in the country, the broader health crisis is affecting all age groups, causing immediate attention to the government and the public.

Researchers at the ICRER and Anvka Foundation have found that the extreme levels of vitamin D deficiency in India, especially in the eastern region, where the prevalence is up to 38.81%.

In India, recommended daily intake of vitamin D is usually 400-600 IU (international units) for most adults and 400 IU for infants, with old adults potentially requiring 800 IU.

Urban residents, women, children and elders are the weakest.

While incense is the primary source of vitamin D, many urban Indians are not getting enough suns.

Researchers pointed to factors such as air pollution, high -growing buildings, indoor work culture, and broad use of sunscreen, which has reduced the body’s ability to produce vitamin D naturally.

“Vitamin D deficiency is a silent epidemic affecting millions of people, yet it has been ignored to a large extent,” Dr. Ashish Chaudhary said, the co-writer of the study and Managing Director of Akash Healthcare.

Health Effect: More than weaker bones

Vitamin D is important to maintain strong bones and immunity. Its deficiency can cause rickets in children, osteomalsia (bone soft) in adults, muscle weakness and fatigue, high risk of depression, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.

Rickites are a common disease in Indian children that cause bones to become soft and weak, causing skeletal deformity.

Doctors have warned that without timely intervention, the deficiency can contribute to the spike in preventable diseases and increase the pressure on the already burdened health system.

In fact, in the launch event of Meta-ANLISIS, Dr. B. Sechiran, former Director, National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), stated that high particulate matter and inflammation are the major obstacles in India’s absorbing vitamin D in India, which is addition to adequate sunshine and nutrition.

India is decreasing on vitamin D

Dr. Secicaran described vitamin D deficiency as lifestyle -related disease and said that it has not been noticed to a large extent, as the efforts of the government have focused more on anemia and other micronutrient deficiencies.

“Since the dietary sources are minimal, the supplement and fortifications become a way. Clarification on these interventions is also lacking with the recommendations for mega doses from the level of the RDA (recommended daily allowance),” he said.

Many social and economic obstacles are making the problem worse: the risk of limited sun due to modern urban lifestyle, lack of stronghold foods-essential staples such as wheat and wheat are usually not determined with vitamin D, dietary challenges such as fatty fish, eggs, and strong milk such as vitamin D-rich foods are widely consumed.

In addition, expensive testing and supplements are the major reasons for low vitamin D levels.

Private laboratory tests cost more than Rs 1,500, and supplements from Rs 48-130 for 10 tablets, are ineffective for many. GST (Good and Services Tax) of 18% on supplements proceeds to get proper nutrition.

Cultural and skin tone factors such as dark skin tones and fabric practices reduce the absorption of the sun, found by researchers of meta-analysis.

Only 8–14% of Indians meet the recommended dairy consumption. Daily recommended level

The study found that India has no national program especially to target this deficiency.

Researchers highlighted that the rising obesity rate, a major health care burden on India is also impaired vitamin D metabolism, which is less effective. Increasing metabolic disorders spoiled the problem.

Recently, experts of the global program – who bring doctors, policy makers, nutritionists and representatives of the industry together – are asked for immediate, coordinated action. The authors of the study recommended the Nine-point policy scheme to deal with increasing shortage:

• Strong partnership in ministries.
• A national strategy targeting high -risk groups.
• A public awareness campaign: “Vitamin D Kupochan Mutt Bharat.”
• Compulsory food fortifications, especially through the public distribution system.
• Comprehensive supplementation, especially for pregnant women, children and the elderly.
• Cheap tests and supplements including local production of test kits.
• Increase in money and research for permanent solutions.
• Better data collection to track the level of vitamin D.
• A national work force to align efforts from government, industry and international bodies.

“India requires a roadmap like the success of iodized salt, compulsory fortifications, subsidies and public campaigns,” said Deepak Mishra, Director and Chief Executive Officer, ICier.

“This analysis is a wake-up call. The report aims to highlight the immediate requirement of coordinated action against vitamin D deficiency,” Dr. Arpita Mukherjee, Professor of ICRIR and co-writer of the study said.

Researchers agreed that voluntary measures would not be sufficient to fight hidden health epidemic.

Without a clear national policy, millions of Indians, especially poor and weak, will suffer from its effects.