No region on earth has average Vitamin D levels of even 30 ng - Dec 2025
A systematic review and meta-analysis of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration and vitamin D status worldwide
J Public Health (Oxf). 2025 Dec 1;47(4):e520-e529. doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdaf080.
Eleanor Dunlop 1 2, Ngoc Minh Pham 2, Dong Van Hoang 2, Hajar Mazahery 2, Belinda Neo 2, Jillian Shrapnel 2, Aliki Kalmpourtzidou 3, Kevin E K Chai 2, Leo Ng 2 4, Lucinda J Black 1 2
Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a public health concern; however, data on its global prevalence are limited. We reported pooled mean circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration and estimated the prevalence of concentration according to commonly reported thresholds for general, healthy populations worldwide.
Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Global Index Medicus and grey literature sites. We included cross-sectional and cohort studies published since 2011 that reported circulating 25(OH)D concentration in general, healthy populations of all ages. Using random-effects meta-analysis, we pooled data on circulating 25(OH)D concentration and prevalence estimates according to thresholds by continent, country, latitude, sex, adults/children, season, assay, and study quality. PROSPERO registration: CRD42021242466.
Results: Eligible publications (n = 586) included 2 370 136 eligible participants across 102 countries. The pooled mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) overall circulating 25(OH)D concentration was 53.9 (52.6-55.1) nmol/L (529 publications; 1 412 281 participants). The pooled prevalence of concentration < 30, < 50, and < 75 nmol/L was 18, 47, and 75%, respectively (403 studies; 1 508 830 participants).
Conclusions: Low vitamin D status is prevalent across general, healthy populations worldwide. Governments, health organizations and policy makers could use these findings to identify regions in need of public health strategies for improving vitamin D status.
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