Nearly half the population of India is vitamin D deficient, according to a study. The study done by a diagnostic firm is based on 2.2 million tests results collected over six years from 2019 nationwide.

The study found that 46.5 per cent of persons tested across India were vitamin D deficient, while another 26 per cent had insufficient levels.

The findings underscore widespread vitamin D deficiency and the need to create awareness to prevent this. Better nutrition, and regular screening are the need of the hour as it is an overlooked health challenge. It impacts absorption of nutrients, immunity, bone health and overall well-being.

According to the study, it could be because of today’s way of life, limited exposure to sun, poor dietary habits leave alone geography.

However, the data shows national deficiency rates falling from about 51 per cent in 2019-20 to 43 per cent in 2023-24.

Vitamin D deficiency is found to be high in adolescents and working-age adults, largely owing to indoor lifestyle. Teenagers aged between 13 and 18 years showed the highest deficiency rate at 66.9 per cent. The gender gap has narrowed over time, with deficiency levels at 46.9 per cent among women and 45.8 per cent among men.