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For all the sunshine that India gets, a six-year analysis of 22 lakh Vitamin D test results done at diagnostic firm Metropolis Healthcare reveals that nearly half of them had a deficiency, while another 26 per cent had insufficient levels. Southern states including Kerala, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu showed high deficiency in over 50 per cent of those tested, though the national picture showed a slight improvement with a decrease in deficiency from 51 per cent in 2019 to 43 per cent in 2024. Teenagers (13-18 years) showed the highest deficiency at 66.9 per cent. In Central India, the deficiency was pegged at 48.1 per cent, while North India stood at 44.9 per cent and the Westincluding Maharashtra (at 42.9 per cent), showed better sufficiency levels, the study said. The North-East appeared to fare the best at 36.9 per cent - reflecting the benefits of outdoor lifestyles and diverse diets, a note on the study said. The findings indicate that urban lifestyles, reduced sun exposure, and poor dietary habits—rather than geography – contribute to Vitamin D deficiency in the country, it said. Kirti Chadha, Metropolis Healthcare’s Chief Scientific and Innovation Officer said, “Vitamin D plays a central role in bone mineralisation, muscle function, and immune regulation. Its deficiency often remains unnoticed until it leads to fatigue, weakness, or recurrent illness. Testing of calcium level and parathyroid hormone levels is crucial to arrive at a conclusive cause of Vitamin D deficiency/ insufficiency.” The study reinforces the idea of routine testing, nutritional interventions, and public awareness to prevent long-term health complications, the note said. The narrowed gender gap in Vitamin D deficiency – with women showing 46.9 per cent deficiency and men showing 45.8 per cent – indicated improved nutrition and diagnostic access among women, the note said. Surendran Chemmenkotil, Metropolis Healthcare Managing Director, said that Vitamin D deficiency was one of the most overlooked health challenges in the country. “Its effects are silent but far-reaching, impacting bone health, immunity, and overall wellbeing.” Published on October 29, 2025
