One in five Indians lack this critical vitamin: Experts raise alarms on silence health crisis

According to a report by the Times of India (TOI), one in every five Indians suffers from vitamin D deficiency, and Delhi is the most affected city. From children and athletes to Army personnel and healthcare workers, this issue spans age and careers.

These findings are derived from a meta-analysis by the Indian Council on International Economic Relations Research (ICRIER) and the NGO Anvka Foundation. The report, titled “Roadmap to Solve Vitamin D Deficiency in India”, was released on Tuesday.

Which cities are most affected?

Analysis shows that many Indian cities are facing a severe vitamin D crisis. Vadodara has 89% defects, followed by Surat (88%), Jaipur (81%), Kolkata (79%), Mumbai (78%) and Delhi (72%). Young people have been hit hard, and 84% of young people under the age of 25 and under the age of 25 are under the age of 25.

Why is vitamin D important?

Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones. Its lack can cause bone lactic acid in children and adults to become softer. Low levels of this vitamin can also cause muscle weakness, fatigue and even depression. It is also associated with higher risks of heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers such as breast cancer and the prostate, according to experts.

“Vitamin D deficiency is a silent effect that affects millions, but it is still largely ignored. It weakens immunity. It increases the risk of long-term disease. Addressing this problem will take on the joint efforts of the government.”
He also said solutions such as food fortification, awareness-driven and better access to supplements can help solve this problem.

Who is in danger and why?

The report says children, adolescents, pregnant women and the elderly are at the most risk. Common reasons include:

• Poor sun exposure due to pollution and indoor lifestyle
• Limited intake of limited vitamin D-rich foods such as fish, eggs and fortified milk
• Cultural eating habits and dairy intolerant, with only 8-14% consuming recommended dairy products
• High vegetarian population (about 30%), lacking plant-based vitamin D options
• Dark skin, requiring more sunlight to produce vitamin D
• Expensive tests and supplements, cost of laboratory testing over Rs 1,500, supplements of 48-130 rupees

What needs to be done?

Dr. Arpita Mukherjee of Icrier said the report calls for policy changes and long-term solutions. “Filling policy gaps and supporting better research will help India achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals for Health and Nutrition by 2030,” she told TOI.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Be sure to seek advice from your doctor.