Why Aren’t Your Vitamin D Supplements Working Yet? India’s Top Doctors Explain
Every year, millions of Indians start taking vitamin D supplements to boost energy, immunity, and bone health. Yet, for many, the benefits never show up. How can a country full of sunlight still suffer from deficiency? India’s leading doctors explain why your supplements may not be working — and what you can do to fix it.
A Sunshine Deficit in a Sunny Country
On paper, India should not have a vitamin D crisis. Still, research shows that more than 70% of Indians are deficient. Dr. Kaushal Chand from Apollo Hospitals explains that vitamin D is produced in the skin through sunlight, not mainly from food. But modern life keeps most people indoors. Full-sleeve clothes, pollution, and sunscreen block ultraviolet B rays, which are vital for vitamin D production.
In cities like Delhi and Mumbai, heavy smog works like a natural sunblock. Even on bright days, the body struggles to make enough vitamin D. Skin tone and body fat also affect absorption. Darker skin needs more sunlight to produce the same amount of vitamin D. People with higher body fat may trap the vitamin in fat tissue, leaving less in the bloodstream.
Simply taking supplements can’t overcome these physical and environmental barriers. Without direct sun exposure and healthy lifestyle habits, your body remains low on vitamin D even when you take pills regularly.
Why Supplements Often Don’t Work
Most people assume a daily vitamin D pill will solve everything. But doctors warn that dosage, timing, and absorption make a big difference. Taking supplements without checking your vitamin D levels first can lead to wrong dosing. The vitamin is fat-soluble, which means it needs healthy fats for absorption. If you take it on an empty stomach, much of it goes to waste.
Certain health conditions also block absorption. Gut problems like celiac disease, or liver and kidney issues, reduce how your body processes vitamin D. Obesity adds another challenge because fat cells store the vitamin, making it less active. Doctors also remind patients that vitamin D works with other nutrients like calcium and magnesium. Without these, the body can’t use it effectively.
Many people start supplements but never get a follow-up blood test. Without that, you can’t know if levels are improving. Dr. Chand notes that “when patients say their supplements aren’t working, it’s often the plan that’s failing, not the vitamin.”
If your vitamin D supplement isn’t helping, don’t blame the capsule just yet. It could be your diet, timing, or even your sunlight exposure. Spend time outdoors, eat balanced meals, and take your supplement with healthy fats. Most importantly, test your levels regularly. With a few simple changes, you can finally help your body make and use vitamin D the way it’s meant to.
Prerna Varshney is a journalist and social commentator with over five years of experience in health, gender, and policy reporting. Her work reflects a deep commitment to truth and empathy, simplifying complex issues for everyday readers.
