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Vitamin D Status

70%+ of urban Indians are vitamin D deficient (despite ample sunlight) — due to indoor lifestyles, sunscreen use, dietary gaps. Optimal level: 30-50 ng/mL of 25(OH)D.

15 ng/mL

From your blood test report.

Status
Deficient
Recommended dose:

60,000 IU weekly × 8 weeks, then 60,000 IU monthly

How vitamin D status is classified

The 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) blood test is the standard. Endocrine Society and Indian guidelines classify: deficient < 20 ng/mL, insufficient 20–29, sufficient 30–100, potentially toxic > 100. The Indian Council of Medical Research target is 30–50 ng/mL for general adults, 50+ ng/mL during pregnancy and for the elderly.

Worked example

A 38-year-old IT professional in Bengaluru tests at 14 ng/mL — deficient. The standard ICMR protocol: 60,000 IU cholecalciferol once a week for 8 weeks (loading dose, total 4,80,000 IU), then maintenance of 60,000 IU monthly or 1000–2000 IU daily. Re-test at 3 months — most patients reach 30+ ng/mL. Vegetarians are particularly at risk because the main dietary sources (fatty fish, egg yolk, fortified milk) are limited; fortified breakfast cereals and 15 minutes of pre-10am sunlight on arms and face help.

When to use this

  • Annual lab report from Thyrocare, Lal PathLabs or 1mg
  • Persistent fatigue, body aches or hair fall — common deficiency symptoms
  • Pre-pregnancy planning (target 50+ ng/mL)
  • Tracking response 3 months into a supplementation course

Complement with the thyroid range tool — many Indians flag low on both vitamin D and TSH simultaneously due to overlapping symptoms.

FAQ

Can sunlight alone give enough Vitamin D in India?

Theoretically yes (15-20 min sun on bare arms/face midday). Practically no — modern lifestyles, sunscreen, urban lifestyle limit exposure. 70%+ of urban Indians are deficient.

Vitamin D toxicity — when?

&gt; 100 ng/mL = toxic. Causes hypercalcemia, kidney damage. Don&apos;t self-supplement large doses without testing — &quot;more is better&quot; doesn&apos;t apply.

D2 vs D3 — which?

D3 (cholecalciferol) is preferred — better absorbed, longer-acting. Most Indian supplements (Calcirol, Uprise-D3) are D3. D2 (ergocalciferol) is less effective.