Micronutrients & recovery
Adults in South Asia exhibit a high prevalence (pooled 68%) of vitamin D deficiency, defined as serum levels < 20 ng/mL, with significant heterogeneity across countries and higher rates in females compared to males.
If you are an adult living in South Asia, there is a high likelihood (approx. 68%) that your vitamin D levels are below the recommended threshold of 20 ng/mL. This risk is higher for women due to cultural clothing and lifestyle factors. You should consider getting your serum vitamin D tested and discuss supplementation with a healthcare provider, as dietary sources alone are often insufficient to correct this widespread deficiency.
Overall, the pooled prevalence of deficiency was 68% [95% CI: 64 to 72%]... The average level of vitamin D ranged from 4.7 to 32 ng/mL, with a weighted mean of 19.15 ng/mL... the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was higher in females than males.
Why this rating
Based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of 65 studies involving 44,717 participants, providing robust population-level data.
Source
High prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among the South Asian adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Mahbubul H. Siddiqee et al. · BMC Public Health · 2021
DOI 10.1186/s12889-021-11888-1
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