Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Why Vitamin D and B12 Deficiencies Persist Across India
Many people in India may not get enough vitamin D or vitamin B12.
Sunshine does not always provide enough vitamin D, because people may spend little time outdoors and pollution can reduce the sunlight that helps the body make it.
Some foods that contain vitamin D are not commonly eaten.
Vitamin B12 is mostly found in animal-based foods, so vegetarians may have trouble getting enough.
Age, digestive problems, and some medicines can also make it harder for the body to absorb B12.
Tests can help show whether someone has a deficiency.
A doctor can recommend the right supplement and dose.
People should follow the plan and get checked again rather than stopping as soon as they feel better.
The article says vitamin D and B12 deficiencies remain common in India despite widespread sunshine and available food sources.
It cites estimates of vitamin D deficiency affecting about 60% of Indians in one study and nearly 71% in Tata 1mg Labs analysis.
Limited sun exposure, melanin, pollution, and diets low in vitamin D sources may contribute to vitamin D deficiency.
A largely vegetarian diet, reduced absorption with age or digestive problems, and some long-term medicines may contribute to B12 deficiency.
The article advises testing and medical guidance, appropriate supplement choice and dosage, consistent use, and follow-up evaluation.
- Who
- People in India, particularly those at risk of vitamin D or B12 deficiency.
- What
- An article explains why the deficiencies remain common and discusses testing, supplements, and follow-up.
- When
- No specific date is given.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- Factors described include limited effective sun exposure and dietary sources, as well as possible absorption problems and medication effects.
- Vitamin D estimates
- The article cites one study estimating about 60% of Indians have vitamin D deficiency.
- Tata 1mg Labs analysis
- An analysis of more than 1.37 million people in over 60 Indian cities found nearly 71% had vitamin D deficiency.
- Vitamin D contributors
- The article identifies melanin, indoor lifestyles, air pollution, and limited dietary sources as possible contributors.
- Vitamin B12 contributors
- A vegetarian diet, age, digestive problems, and long-term use of metformin or stomach-acid-reducing medicines may affect intake or absorption.
- Tests mentioned
- A vitamin D blood test and a serum vitamin B12 test are described as ways to assess deficiency.
- Supplement guidance
- The article recommends medical guidance on supplement type, dose, timing, and duration, followed by regular evaluation.
- Product checks
- It recommends checking FSSAI guidance, ingredient and dosage information, and batch numbers when choosing products.