In a country soaked in sunshine, it seems almost unbelievable that Vitamin D deficiency could be a national health concern. But recent research suggests otherwise—nearly one in five Indians suffers from a lack of this essential nutrient.

  And what’s more alarming? The numbers are climbing.  A major new meta-analysis by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) and ANVKA Foundation has revealed the true scale of the crisis.

The Eastern region of India is particularly hard hit, with deficiency rates spiking as high as 38.81 percent. Vulnerable populations—like children, adolescents, pregnant women, and the elderly—are especially at risk. Across all age groups, women are found to be more affected than men, and urban populations fare worse than their rural counterparts. 

So, what’s going wrong? Ironically, in a sun-blessed country, the root cause lies in how we live. Rapid urbanisation, growing pollution, screen-heavy lifestyles, and a cultural inclination to stay indoors or avoid sun exposure have all contributed to a widespread lack of natural Vitamin D synthesis.

Sunscreen use, full-body clothing, and the modern work-from-home culture have only deepened the crisis. Even skin tone plays a role—darker skin, which is rich in melanin, requires significantly longer exposure to sunlight to produce the same amount of Vitamin D as lighter skin.  And if sunlight is limited, surely food can fill the gap, right? Not quite.

Foods naturally rich in Vitamin D, such as oily fish, eggs, and fortified dairy products, remain out of reach for many Indians. Dietary patterns, lactose intolerance, and high prices put these items beyond the everyday plate of most households.

Less than 14 percent of Indians meet even the minimum recommended dairy intake. Supplements are another challenge—most are costly, taxed at 18 percent GST, and not easily accessible to those who need them most. Private testing, priced at over ₹1,500, makes early diagnosis a luxury. 

The health consequences are serious and far-reaching. Vitamin D plays a key role in maintaining bone density and immune function. A deficiency can lead to rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, as well as chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, and even depression. Researchers have also linked it to increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Yet, despite this broad impact, India still lacks a national program to address the issue. Food fortification remains voluntary and inconsistent, and many mid-day meal schemes fail to include Vitamin D-rich items like eggs or fortified milk.

Dr. Aashish Chaudhry, Managing Director of Aakash Healthcare and one of the study’s co-authors, says this deficiency is not just a public health issue—it’s a developmental one. He warns that without urgent, coordinated action, this “silent epidemic” will continue to place an unbearable burden on families and the country’s healthcare system.

He envisions a “Vitamin D Kuposhan Mukt Bharat”—a country free from Vitamin D malnutrition—and believes it’s essential to achieving a healthier, stronger, and more productive India by 2047.  Other experts echo his call to action. Dr. Arpita Mukherjee, Professor at ICRIER, points out that India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on health and nutrition are at risk if data-driven solutions aren’t implemented soon. Deepak Mishra, Director & CEO of ICRIER, adds that voluntary efforts will no longer suffice.

He compares the situation to India’s earlier battle with iodine deficiency, arguing that a similar model—featuring mandatory fortification, subsidies, and awareness campaigns—is the way forward.  Addressing the problem will require a coordinated effort from multiple ministries, increased funding for research and low-cost testing, improved public awareness, and a push to make supplements more affordable. It’s a multifaceted challenge, but one that India must take seriously if it hopes to protect future generations.