Vitamin D, a fat-soluble secosteroid hormone, plays a crucial role in calcium-phosphorus homeostasis, bone mineralization, immune modulation, and cellular growth regulation. The primary sources are ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced cutaneous production and a few dietary sources, including fortified meals, fatty fish, liver, and egg yolks makes it both accessible and elusive, depending on lifestyle, geography, and cultural factors. The active form of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)₂D] is produced by the hepatic and renal hydroxylation of vitamin D. It binds to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) to regulate gene expression and preserve systemic mineral balance. Vitamin D status can still be accurately determined by measuring serum 25(OH)D concentration. When a deficit is indicated by levels below 20 ng/ml (50 nmol/L). According to the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), which normally ranges between 600 and 800 IU per day. Despite its well-established importance, vitamin D deficiency has spread like an epidemic, affecting an estimated one billion people worldwide. Malabsorption, obesity, ageing, greater skin melanin content, poor solar exposure, and inadequate food intake are all contributing causes. Deficiency consequences are extensive, encompassing rickets in children, osteomalacia and osteoporosis in adults, increased fracture risk, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular diseases, infections, insulin resistance, and neurocognitive decline. In response, food fortification has emerged as a public health strategy. In India, common fortified foods include milk, edible oils, cereals, and condiments. However, excessive intake, especially through high-dose supplementation, may lead to toxicity, manifesting as hypercalcemia, nephrocalcinosis, and vascular calcification. In conclusion, minimising widespread deficiency and related health consequences requires optimising vitamin D status through dietary sources, safe sun exposure, and suitable fortification. Evidence-based supplementation and fortification techniques ought to be the focus of future regulations.