Among age groups, teenagers recorded the highest deficiency at 66.9 percent, revealing what the report calls an “under-recognised adolescent health concern.
Published Oct 31, 2025 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 31, 2025 | 7:00 AM
Vitamin D. (iStock)
Synopsis: A nationwide study revealed that 51.6 percent of people in South India showed Vitamin D deficiency, with Kerala, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu each crossing the 50 percent mark. The data point to a worrying health gap in a region known for its tropical climate and abundant sunshine.
Nearly half of all individuals tested for Vitamin D levels across India were found deficient, with the highest numbers emerging from the southern states.
A nationwide study by Metropolis Healthcare Limited has revealed that 51.6 percent of people in South India showed Vitamin D deficiency, with Kerala, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu each crossing the 50 percent mark.
The data, drawn from over 22 lakh test results collected between 2019 and January 2025, indicate a concerning health disparity in a region renowned for its tropical climate and abundant sunshine.
The findings, which highlight that 46.5 percent of Indians tested were deficient and another 26 percent had insufficient Vitamin D, underscore the growing concern around lifestyle-induced nutritional deficiencies.
While deficiency rates have declined nationally, from about 51 percent in 2019 to 43 percent in 2024, the report suggests that the improvement has been uneven, with the southern states lagging despite greater health awareness and diagnostic access.
Metropolis Healthcare’s regional analysis showed striking differences across India. While South India tops the chart, Central India (48.1 percent) and North India (44.9 percent) follow close behind, according to the Metropolis Healthcare study.
Western India shows relatively better sufficiency at 42.9 percent, while the North-East records the lowest deficiency at 36.9 percent, a trend experts attribute to its outdoor lifestyle and more diverse diet.
Experts attribute the southern region’s poor performance to urban habits rather than geography. “Urban lifestyles, limited sun exposure, and poor dietary patterns are the real reasons Vitamin D deficiency continues to be widespread,” the study noted.
Many residents, especially in cities, spend most of their day indoors, use sunscreen regularly, and have diets low in Vitamin D–rich foods like fish and fortified dairy.
Despite the troubling statistics, the data hint at a gradual improvement over time. The national deficiency rate has dropped by eight percentage points over five years, which Metropolis researchers see as a sign of growing health consciousness.
However, the report warned that without routine screening and preventive measures, this silent deficiency could contribute to long-term health issues affecting bones and the immune system.
Among age groups, teenagers (13–18 years) recorded the highest deficiency at 66.9 percent, revealing what the report calls an “under-recognised adolescent health concern.” The trend is worrying, doctors said, because adolescence is a critical period for bone development and immunity.
Deficiency also remains common among working-age adults, especially those in urban offices with limited exposure to sunlight. However, there has been some progress in narrowing the gender gap: 46.9 percent of women and 45.8 percent of men were found deficient, suggesting improved nutrition and diagnostic access for women in recent years.
Metropolis Healthcare’s Managing Director, Surendran Chemmenkotil, called Vitamin D deficiency “one of the most overlooked health challenges in India today.” He noted, “Its effects are silent but far-reaching, impacting bone health, immunity, and overall wellbeing.”
Chemmenkotil added that the company’s goal is to move beyond diagnostics to become a “lifelong health companion” through preventive insights, consultations, and connected care services.
Dr Kirti Chadha, Chief Scientific and Innovation Officer at Metropolis Healthcare, emphasised the need for early testing and public awareness.
“Vitamin D plays a central role in bone mineralisation, muscle function, and immune regulation,” she said, noting that its deficiency often remains unnoticed until fatigue or weakness sets in.
She added that evaluating calcium and parathyroid hormone levels alongside Vitamin D is essential for a conclusive diagnosis.
The study reinforces that Vitamin D deficiency is not confined to any one region or gender but reflects lifestyle shifts across the country. Experts urged a balance between moderate sun exposure, dietary inclusion of fortified foods, and routine testing as key steps to address the issue.
As South India’s numbers show, the challenge lies not in the lack of sunshine but in making the best use of it.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
