India gets plenty of sunshine, so it surprises many people that vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common nutritional problems in the country. The reason is simple: most of us spend the day indoors, cover up outside, and get little direct midday sun on the skin — and food alone rarely fills the gap. Low vitamin D is one of the most frequently found shortfalls in our overview of vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
This guide explains what vitamin D does, the symptoms of running low, why deficiency is so common here, and how to raise your levels sensibly.
What vitamin D does
Vitamin D is often called the "sunshine vitamin" because your skin makes it when exposed to sunlight. Its headline job is helping your body absorb calcium, which keeps bones and teeth strong — so vitamin D and calcium work as a team. It also supports muscle function and the immune system, which is why deficiency can leave you achy and prone to infections.