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“Silent Epidemic” of Vitamin D Deficiency Grips India, Warns New ICRIER Report

Titled “Roadmap to Address Vitamin D Deficiency in India”, the report paints a grim picture, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and women. “This is a public health issue of national significance,” the report warns, stressing that if not addressed urgently, it could undermine India's human development goals.

• By Pooja Chaturvedi Sah
• New Delhi
• Apr 10, 2024

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A new report by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) and the ANVKA Foundation has raised alarm over an escalating public health crisis in India — widespread Vitamin D deficiency. Affecting more than one in five Indians, the report calls it a “silent epidemic” that spans across age, gender, and profession, threatening long-term health, national productivity, and economic development. Titled “Roadmap to Address Vitamin D Deficiency in India”, the report paints a grim picture, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and women. “This is a public health issue of national significance,” the report warns, stressing that if not addressed urgently, it could undermine India's human development goals. Who is Most Affected? All Age Groups, All Walks of Life The deficiency cuts across demographics — from infants and school children to healthcare professionals and manual laborers. The report reveals: 46% of children (aged 0–10) suffer from rickets, a bone-weakening disease. 80–90% of senior citizens are at risk of osteoporosis, increasing chances of fractures and disability. Women across all age groups are disproportionately affected. Eastern India is the worst-hit region, with a prevalence rate nearing 39%, compared to just 9.4% in North India. Despite India's ample sunlight, Vitamin D deficiency is rising due to urban lifestyles, high pollution levels, indoor-centric work environments, and social norms that discourage sun exposure — all of which limit natural Vitamin D synthesis. Poor dietary intake, especially among vegetarians and the lactose intolerant, further aggravates the issue. Barriers: High Costs and Limited Access One of the major challenges cited in the report is the cost-prohibitive nature of diagnosis and supplements: Vitamin D tests in private labs can cost over ₹1,500, making regular screening inaccessible for the majority. A strip of 10 Vitamin D tablets is priced between ₹48 and ₹130, while an 18% GST on these supplements restricts access even further. The report suggests that without price reforms, millions of Indians will continue to remain undiagnosed and untreated. Current Efforts Fragmented and Inadequate While the Indian government has made some progress — such as fortifying milk and oil with Vitamin D and including it in the essential medicines list — ICRIER points out that these efforts are fragmented and lack nationwide reach. “These initiatives remain voluntary and often fail to benefit those who rely on public distribution systems or school mid-day meals,” the report states. ICRIER's Recommendations: A Call for Nationwide Action To tackle the crisis, ICRIER proposes a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder strategy that includes: Reducing GST on Vitamin D supplements. Lowering import duties on testing kits and supplements from 10% to 5%. Bringing both D2 and D3 formulations under price control. Expanding food fortification beyond milk and oil to staples like wheat and rice. Integrating Vitamin D testing into government schemes such as Anaemia Mukt Bharat. Enhancing mid-day meal programmes under PM POSHAN by including fortified eggs and milk. Promoting domestic R&D for affordable testing technologies. Launching a nationwide awareness drive titled “Vitamin D Kuposhan Mukt Bharat”, focused on schools, media, and community outreach. Why Vitamin D Matters: Not Just for Bones Often called the “sunshine vitamin”, Vitamin D exists in two main forms — D2 (plant-based) and D3 (animal-based). According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the recommended daily intake ranges from 400–600 IU for adults. Vitamin D is essential not just for calcium absorption and bone health, but also for immune function and prevention of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Where to Get It: Sources of Vitamin D According to the CDC and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Vitamin D can be obtained through: Sun exposure Foods such as salmon, mackerel, egg yolks, mushrooms, beef liver, and cheese Fortified foods like milk, margarine, cereals, and juices Supplements for those with limited dietary or sun exposure The Bottom Line Unless swift, coordinated action is taken, India risks facing a worsening Vitamin D crisis with serious health and economic consequences. The report urges policymakers, healthcare providers, and civil society to act collectively — before this “invisible crisis” becomes unmanageable.