A systematic review and meta-analysis of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration and vitamin D status worldwide

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A systematic review and meta-analysis of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration and vitamin D status worldwide

Dunlop et al., 2025 | J Public Health (Oxf) | Meta Analysis

Citation

Dunlop Eleanor, Pham Ngoc Minh, ... Black Lucinda J. A systematic review and meta-analysis of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration and vitamin D status worldwide. J Public Health (Oxf). 2025-Dec-01;47(4):e520-e529. doi:10.1093/pubmed/fdaf080

Abstract

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.

Key Findings

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).

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 586
Age Range See abstract
Condition deficiency

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Vitamin D Deficiency
  • Vitamin D
  • Global Health
  • Prevalence
  • Male
  • Female
  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: vitamin-d

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09