Vitamin D deficiency prevalence
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Global Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread health issue affecting populations across the globe. Recent pooled analyses estimate that 15.7% of people worldwide have serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels below 30 nmol/L, 47.9% below 50 nmol/L, and 76.6% below 75 nmol/L, indicating a high prevalence that has persisted from 2000 to 2022, with only a slight decrease over time . This deficiency is recognized as a significant public health concern due to its association with bone disorders and various non-skeletal diseases 210.
Regional Prevalence and Variations
Asia and South Asia
In Asia, vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent, with 20.9% of individuals having levels below 25 nmol/L, 22.8% below 30 nmol/L, and 57.7% below 50 nmol/L . South Asia shows even higher rates, with a pooled prevalence of 68% among adults, and the highest rates observed in Pakistan (73%), followed by Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Women are more affected than men in this region . Urban populations, such as those in Beijing, also exhibit high deficiency rates, with 87.1% of residents classified as deficient, especially among females and during winter and spring .
Europe
In Europe, 13% of the population has vitamin D levels below 30 nmol/L, and 40.4% fall below 50 nmol/L. The prevalence is higher during the extended winter months and among dark-skinned ethnic groups, who may have up to 71 times higher rates of deficiency compared to white populations .
Africa
African populations also face a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, with 17.3% below 30 nmol/L, 34.2% below 50 nmol/L, and 58.5% below 75 nmol/L. Deficiency is more common in northern Africa, South Africa, urban areas, women, and newborns .
North America
In the United States, 2.6% of the population has severe deficiency (<25 nmol/L), 22% moderate deficiency (25–50 nmol/L), and 40.9% are insufficient (50–75 nmol/L). Non-Hispanic Black Americans, women, young adults, and those in winter months are at higher risk .
Australia
In Australia, 20% of adults are vitamin D deficient (<50 nmol/L), and an additional 43% are insufficient (50–75 nmol/L). Risk factors include being born outside Australia, living in southern states, winter/spring season, obesity, low physical activity, and not taking supplements .
South America
South America also reports a high prevalence, with 34.8% of adults classified as vitamin D deficient. Rates vary by age, sex, country, latitude, and season .
Key Risk Factors and Predictors
Across regions, several factors consistently increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency:
- Female gender 1234+3 MORE
- Higher latitude and winter/spring seasons 2457+2 MORE
- Urban living 67
- Darker skin pigmentation
- Lower socioeconomic status, obesity, and low physical activity 48
- Specific health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and metabolic diseases
Public Health Implications
The high and persistent prevalence of vitamin D deficiency worldwide highlights the need for targeted public health strategies. These may include food fortification, supplementation, and education on safe sun exposure, especially for high-risk groups such as women, ethnic minorities, urban residents, and those living at higher latitudes 1234+6 MORE.
Conclusion
Vitamin D deficiency remains a significant global health issue, with substantial variation across regions and populations. Women, people living in higher latitudes, urban areas, and certain ethnic groups are particularly vulnerable. Addressing this deficiency should be a public health priority to reduce the associated disease burden worldwide.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic