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

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and plays a vital role in human physiology. Vitamin D3 deficiency is a significantpublic 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. Thisdeficiency has an impact on both musculoskeletal and nonmusculoskeletal health. This article summarizes the prevention andtreatment strategies for combating vitamin D3 deficiency, current guidelines for vitamin D supplementation across differentage groups, comparative efficacy of oral versus intramuscular vitamin D supplements, and factors influencing response tovitamin D supplementation. The Indian diet frequently lacks adequate levels of vitamin D, owing to its scarcity in commonlyconsumed foods. This emphasizes the need for fortification of staple foods with vitamin D through national programs. Thiswould ensure that vitamin D reaches even the most underserved populations, including those in rural or low-income settings.