Which Deficiency Is Common In India? An Overview Of Major Nutritional Concerns

December 17, 2025 •

4 min read

Despite abundant sunlight, studies show that vitamin D deficiency affects a high percentage of the Indian population, with some reports citing prevalence rates as high as 80-90%. Alongside this, iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies are also alarmingly widespread, leading many to ask: Which deficiency is common in India? This article explores the answers.

Quick Summary

Iron deficiency (anemia), Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12 deficiencies are the most prevalent nutritional problems in India, affecting various demographic groups. A confluence of dietary habits, lifestyle changes, and socio-economic factors drives these widespread issues, impacting public health across the subcontinent.

Key Points

Iron Deficiency (Anaemia): Widespread across India, particularly affecting women and young children, driven by inadequate intake and poor absorption.
Vitamin D Deficiency: Prevalent even in sunny India due to indoor lifestyles, air pollution, and reduced sun exposure from cultural practices.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A significant concern for the large vegetarian population, as B12 is primarily found in animal products; malabsorption issues also contribute.
Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD): Controlled by a national program but still an issue in specific areas, impacting cognitive development.
Government Intervention: Initiatives like Anaemia Mukt Bharat and Poshan Abhiyaan are crucial for tackling these nutritional challenges.
Multi-Factorial Causes: The prevalence of these deficiencies stems from a mix of dietary habits, lifestyle, and socio-economic conditions.

India faces a complex and widespread challenge with nutritional deficiencies, affecting a significant portion of its population across all ages and socio-economic backgrounds. While the country has made strides in public health, key deficiencies continue to present a substantial burden. Addressing this issue requires a multi-pronged strategy that includes dietary changes, supplementation, and public health campaigns.

The Alarming Prevalence of Iron Deficiency (Anaemia)

Iron deficiency is arguably the most recognized nutritional problem in India, primarily manifesting as iron deficiency anemia. The National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) data reveals high prevalence rates, particularly among women and children. A significant portion of young children (6-23 months), those from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, and children born to mothers with low education or high parity are particularly vulnerable. The consequences of anemia can be severe, leading to impaired cognitive and motor development in children and decreased work capacity in adults. In pregnant women, it can cause low birth weight and perinatal complications. Causes are multifactorial, including inadequate dietary iron intake, especially among those consuming primarily vegetarian diets, and poor absorption of iron.

Symptoms of Iron Deficiency

Fatigue and weakness
Pale skin and pale mucous membranes
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or light-headedness
Cold hands and feet

The Silent Epidemic of Vitamin D Deficiency

Despite being a tropical country with abundant sunshine, India paradoxically reports a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, with some studies showing rates between 80-90%. The reasons are diverse and often linked to modern lifestyles. Increased time spent indoors, air pollution blocking UV-B rays, and certain cultural practices that require minimal skin exposure to sunlight contribute significantly. Skin pigmentation also plays a role, as individuals with darker skin require longer sun exposure to synthesize sufficient vitamin D. The health consequences extend beyond bone health, with links to autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. In children, severe deficiency causes rickets.

Strategies to Combat Vitamin D Deficiency

Fortification: Fortifying staple foods like milk and oils with Vitamin D.
Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public on the importance of moderate sun exposure and dietary sources.
Supplementation: Providing targeted supplements to high-risk groups like pregnant women, children, and the elderly.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Among a Vegetarian Majority

Vitamin B12 deficiency is widespread, largely because it is primarily found in animal-based foods like meat, eggs, and dairy. Since a large segment of India's population is vegetarian or lacto-vegetarian, dietary intake is often insufficient. Beyond dietary habits, malabsorption issues, such as atrophic gastritis which reduces the intrinsic factor needed for B12 absorption, also contribute to the problem, especially among the elderly. Left unchecked, a lack of B12 can cause neurological damage, memory loss, fatigue, and megaloblastic anemia.

Addressing B12 Needs for Vegetarians

Consume fortified foods like certain cereals, plant-based milks, and nutritional yeast.
Take B12 supplements, especially if dietary intake is consistently low.
Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are also good sources.

Persistent Challenges from Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD)

Through the universal salt iodization program, Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) have been significantly reduced since the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP) was launched. However, some endemic pockets and sub-optimal intake still exist. Iodine is vital for thyroid function, and its deficiency can lead to goitre, cretinism, and significant cognitive impairments, impacting human resource development. Continuous monitoring and ensuring universal access to adequately iodized salt remains critical.

Comparison of Major Deficiencies


Deficiency	Primary Cause(s)	Key Demographic Risks	Typical Symptoms
Iron	Inadequate intake, poor absorption	Women (especially pregnant), young children, socio-economically disadvantaged	Fatigue, paleness, shortness of breath
Vitamin D	Insufficient sunlight exposure, low dietary intake	Urban populations, darker skin tones, indoor workers, elderly, women	Bone weakness, rickets (in children), osteoporosis (in adults)
Vitamin B12	Predominantly vegetarian diet, malabsorption issues	Vegetarians, elderly, individuals with gastrointestinal disorders	Fatigue, neurological problems, memory issues, anemia
Iodine	Low dietary intake, primarily via non-iodized salt	Pockets of endemic regions, vulnerable children and pregnant women	Goitre, mental retardation, cognitive issues

Government Initiatives and the Way Forward

Recognizing the public health implications, the Government of India has launched and continued several programs to combat malnutrition. Key initiatives include the Anaemia Mukt Bharat strategy, which focuses on prophylactic iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation and behavior change communication. The Poshan Abhiyaan is an overarching scheme designed to improve nutritional outcomes for children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. These programs leverage technology for monitoring, promote community-based activities, and emphasize convergence between various health and nutrition schemes. Food fortification is another critical strategy being implemented to address micronutrient deficiencies at a population level.

Conclusion

While India's nutritional landscape is complex, data consistently points to iron, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 deficiencies as the most widespread problems. Factors like dietary practices, lifestyle changes, and socio-economic disparities contribute to their prevalence. Significant progress has been made, particularly with iodine deficiency through robust national programs. However, for a healthier India, continued and intensified efforts in public education, food fortification, and effective program implementation are necessary to tackle these persistent nutritional challenges and their long-term health impacts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia in India, affecting a large percentage of women and children, particularly in low socio-economic groups.

Despite abundant sun, vitamin D deficiency is widespread due to factors like increased indoor lifestyles, air pollution, dark skin pigmentation which reduces synthesis, and cultural practices that limit sun exposure.

Yes, vegetarians in India are at a much higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency because B12 is predominantly found in animal products and their intake is limited in plant-based diets.

Significant progress has been made with the universal salt iodization program. However, pockets of endemic goitre and iodine deficiency still persist, requiring continued monitoring and intervention.

The Indian government has implemented programs like Anaemia Mukt Bharat, the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP), and Poshan Abhiyaan to address various nutritional deficiencies.

Common symptoms of B12 deficiency include fatigue, weakness, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, memory loss, and neurological problems.

To combat iron deficiency, one should include iron-rich foods like lentils, spinach, and meat. Pairing these with vitamin C-rich foods (e.g., lemons, amla) can improve absorption.

Long-term consequences of malnutrition in India include stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and increased susceptibility to infections, impacting overall public health and development.