Vitamin D3 Deficiency: Prevalence, Prevention, and Prevailing Management Strategies

Abstract

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and plays a vital role in human physiology. Vitamin D3 deficiency is a significant
public health issue globally, with varying prevalence depending on geographic, socioeconomic, and demographic factors.
Vitamin D3 deficiency can be influenced by a variety of risk factors that affect its synthesis, absorption, and metabolism. This
deficiency has an impact on both musculoskeletal and nonmusculoskeletal health. This article summarizes the prevention and
treatment strategies for combating vitamin D3 deficiency, current guidelines for vitamin D supplementation across different
age groups, comparative efficacy of oral versus intramuscular vitamin D supplements, and factors influencing response to
vitamin D supplementation. The Indian diet frequently lacks adequate levels of vitamin D, owing to its scarcity in commonly
consumed foods. This emphasizes the need for fortification of staple foods with vitamin D through national programs. This
would ensure that vitamin D reaches even the most underserved populations, including those in rural or low-income settings.