Even as vitamin D deficiency is prevalent globally and the data for the last two decades suggests that it may be widespread in India as well, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) will soon begin research on 'Vitamin D deficiency in India: public health significance and interventions'.  

The thrust areas of this research programme include representative national prevalence data of vitamin D deficiency specifically correlated with functional outcomes (biological consequences), especially in vulnerable populations including pregnant and lactating women, infants and elderly and from rural and coastal areas; novel functional markers of vitamin D deficiency and point of care assays; benefits (skeletal and extra-skeletal) and safety (potential adverse effects) of vitamin D supplementation and fortification; and mechanistically understand the effects of vitamin D deficiency, in various cells/tissues.

Other areas of this research include potential vegetarian dietary sources and bioavailability of vitamin D; role of other nutrients, especially calcium, in determining requirements and biological functioning of vitamin D; non-dietary interventions including sunshine exposure and exercise in alleviating vitamin D deficiency; and genetic determinants of vitamin D metabolism and their association with biological consequences.

Applications for this programme can be submitted by public and private universities, colleges, institutes and non-profit organizations (recognized by DSIR as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO). It is expected that some of the projects will be collaborative efforts between basic scientists, clinicians, biochemists, etc.

The DBT's initiative in this regard is significant as data shows that vitamin D deficiency is widespread in India. Vitamin D is essential for bone health, and has a role in calcium homeostasis. Recent evidence suggests potential non- skeletal effects, which has led to increased interest in public health significance of vitamin D in the Indian context notwithstanding abundant sunshine. Worldwide naturally occurring dietary sources of vitamin D are limited and most individuals obtain their vitamin D from cutaneous sun exposure. In view of the recent reports of escalating burden of biochemical vitamin D deficiency and its known skeletal and potential extra-skeletal effects, the DBT proposes to support research on its public health significance and potential interventions to address this malady.