Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a very crucial role in the growth and development of bones and skeletal muscles, because it regulates the calcium and phosphate levels in the blood, which helps in proper mineralization and strengthening of the bones. Additionally, it plays an important role in other systems, such as the cardiovascular system, nervous system, immune system, and endocrine system.[1] Unfortunately, being one of the most important vitamins that regulates many body functions, its deficiency is now emerging as a global health concern and is silently growing into a pandemic by affecting over a billion people worldwide, which raises numerous health complications ranging from mild to severe.[2-4] The deficiency is most commonly observed in all ages, especially among elderly people, pregnant women, infants, and children. Moreover, recent studies revealed that an increase in the risk of vitamin D deficiency is also seen in adults.[5]

Vitamin D is primarily synthesized in the body with exposure to sunlight and is often referred to as the “Sunshine Vitamin.” Limited exposure to sunlight, along with poor dietary intake, sedentary lifestyle, pregnancy, lack of awareness, and pollution, will result in vitamin D deficiency.[6,7]

Globally, vitamin D deficiency is very prevalent, but its significance varies. In the United States, 56% of Caucasian infants and around 47% of African American infants are vitamin D deficient. Similarly, 90% of the infant population in Iran, Turkey, and India also has a vitamin D deficiency. In addition, around 30% of the adult population in the United States and over 80% of adults in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India are associated with vitamin D deficiency. The elderly people are at high risk, and the deficiency rate is very alarming, with the United states at 61%, Turkey at 90%, India at 96%, Pakistan at 72%, and in Iran, it has now become 67%.[8] The Pakistan National Nutrition Survey (2011) reported that 70% of pregnant women and 66% of non-pregnant women are suffering from vitamin D deficiency.[9]

Inadequate vitamin D levels alter calcium and phosphate homeostasis, leading to growth retardation and rickets in children, while in adults it increases the risk of osteopenia, osteoporosis, ‎and fractures‎. Furthermore, its deficiency causes skeletal and muscle weakness, heightening the risk of falling.[3] As it plays a crucial role with other systems, its deficiency may lead to diabetes, hypertension, depression, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, osteomalacia, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Research suggests that a lack of vitamin D is associated with an increased risk of cancer, especially breast, prostate, and colon ‎cancers.[2] A study also indicates that pregnant women may have a greater risk of developing preeclampsia ‎due to vitamin D deficiency.[9]

Despite having strong scientific evidence, vitamin D deficiency remains neglected due to a lack of knowledge and awareness among the public. Fortunately, today, many countries like Finland have successfully decreased the deficiency rate through introducing fortified food with vitamin D and have ensured that this issue can be addressed effectively.[10] By adopting similar successful strategies, such as the initiation of fortified staple foods with vitamin D, along with arranging awareness campaigns about the significance of sun exposure, will prevent vitamin D deficiency. It is important to educate and encourage people about balanced sun exposure while maintaining adequate skin protection, wearing appropriate clothing, and addressing pollution-related UV blockage because these can improve the synthesis of vitamin D. Acting on these strategies altogether would overall give benefits to public health in terms of immunity strengthen, promoting bone health and reducing the incidence of chronic illnesses.

Vitamin D deficiency, Bone health, Sunlight exposure, Immune system, Osteoporosis, Chronic diseases, Awareness campaigns.

Vitamin D deficiency has emerged as a major public health concern that leads to many health complications, especially among elderly people, pregnant women, infants, children, and adults, due to limited exposure to sunlight, improper diet, poor lifestyle, and ignorance. To address this issue, governments and policymakers must enforce public health awareness campaigns to educate people regarding the importance of vitamin D and suggest that people use fortified food rich with vitamin D. Through implementing these strategies, we can significantly curb this widespread deficiency and improve the health outcomes globally.

The authors declare no acknowledgments.

There authors declare that there was no funding for this study.

Corresponding Author:
Karan Chaman Lal
Department of Medicine
Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS), Jamshoro, Pakistan
Email: karan.chaman12@gmail.com

Co-Author:
Kainat Kousar
Department of Medicine
Bahria University Health Sciences (BUHS), Karachi, Pakistan
Email: Kainat.kousar12@gmail.com

Karan Chaman Lal was responsible for conceptualization, original draft preparation, literature review, writing – review, and editing, and final approval. Kainat Kousar contributed to the original draft, literature review, writing – review, and editing, and final approval.

Not applicable

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

None

https://doi.org/10.63096/medtigo3061212

Karan CL, Kainat K. Vitamin D Deficiency: A Growing but Neglected Problem. medtigo J Pharmacol. 2025;2(1):e3061212. doi:10.63096/medtigo3061212 Crossref