Metropolis Healthcare Study Reveals 46% of Tested Individuals Show Vitamin D Deficiency Across India

Ameera Shah-led Metropolis Healthcare Limited, India’s second-largest and most respected pathology laboratory chain, has released findings from a comprehensive nationwide analysis of over 22 lakh Vitamin D test results collected between 2019 and January 2025. The study reveals that 46.5% of individuals tested across India showed Vitamin D deficiency, while another 26% had insufficient levels, highlighting widespread Vitamin D inadequacy among health-seeking individuals. The findings underline the urgent need for greater preventive awareness, improved nutrition, and regular screening. 

From a regional perspective, the study revealed distinct differences across India. South India reported the highest deficiency at 51.6%, with Kerala, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu each exceeding 50%. Central India followed at 48.1%, while North India stood at 44.9%. West India, including Maharashtra (42.9%), showed better sufficiency levels, and the North-East (36.9%) recorded the lowest deficiency, reflecting the benefits of outdoor lifestyles and diverse diets. These findings indicate that urban lifestyles, reduced sun exposure, and poor dietary habits—rather than geography alone—are major contributors to Vitamin D deficiency in India. 

The data also indicate a gradual improvement over time, with national deficiency rates declining from around 51% in 2019–20 to 43% in 2023–24. While this trend is encouraging, the results reinforce the need for continued routine testing, nutritional interventions, and public awareness to prevent long-term health complications. 

Deficiency remains particularly high among adolescents and working-age adults, groups often affected by indoor lifestyles and limited sun exposure. Teenagers (13–18 years), though representing a smaller proportion of the samples tested, recorded the highest deficiency at 66.9%, pointing to a critical yet under-recognised health concern among India’s youth. The gender gap in Vitamin D deficiency has narrowed over time, with women showing 46.9% and men 45.8% deficiency, indicating improved nutrition and diagnostic access among women. 

Mr. Surendran Chemmenkotil, Managing Director, Metropolis Healthcare Limited, said: “Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most overlooked health challenges in India today. Its effects are silent but far-reaching, impacting bone health, immunity, and overall wellbeing. At Metropolis, our goal is to move beyond diagnostics and become a lifelong health companion for our patients. Through data-driven insights, preventive diagnostics, and emerging care frontiers such as vitals monitoring, doctor consultations, and soft radiology, we are creating a connected ecosystem that enables proactive management of health. Our focus remains on empowering individuals with early insights, better access, and greater control over their wellbeing.” 

Dr. Kirti Chadha, Chief Scientific and Innovation Officer, Metropolis Healthcare Limited 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. At Metropolis, we blend scientific precision, automation and patient education with an aim to strengthen preventive healthcare and accurate treatment decisions.”