Patterns of Prevalence and Treatment Approaches of Vitamin D3 Deficiency in India: Insights from the D3 PULSE Online Cross-sectional Survey.

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D3 deficiency is linked to various chronic and infectious ailments. While prior studies have explored its prevalence in Indian children, adolescents, and pregnant women, a comprehensive understanding is lacking.

Objective: The D3 PULSE survey aimed to capture doctor perspectives on Vitamin D3 deficiency in Indian outpatient department (OPD) patients.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey executed across India, in both urban and rural regions comprising 23 states and 4472 cities. The survey included 20,603 respondent doctors from diverse specialties. An online six-item questionnaire gathered the clinical opinions of respondents based on their routine practice, expertise, and preferences on the prevalence and treatment approaches of Vitamin D3 deficiency. Data were gathered and analyzed based on the responses to a six-item survey questionnaire.

Results: Survey results indicated Vitamin D3 deficiency in 51%-100% of OPD patients, prompting 58% of doctors to prescribe an 8-week course of 60K Vitamin D3 supplements primarily for deficiency and immune support. Sixty-seven percent of doctors clinically assess deficiency through symptoms such as fatigue and depression. Key considerations for doctors in choosing and prescribing Vitamin D3 supplements include desired serum level increase (67%) and patient compliance. Challenges include low patient awareness and therapy costs.

Conclusion: The D3 PULSE study highlights widespread Vitamin D3 deficiency (51%-100%) among Indian OPD patients. Management involves an 8-week course of 60K Vitamin D3 supplements, with considerations for serum level increase and patient compliance. Different formulations (tablets/capsules/sachets/injections) demonstrated similar efficacy. Lack of awareness and high therapy costs pose challenges to effective supplementation.