In the 1920s, researchers discovered that a substance in cod liver oil was capable of preventing a condition linked to severe bone deformities and mobility called rickets, and later named the substance as Vitamin D.

It was but natural for the researchers to name the substance Vitamin D as vitamins A, B, and C were already recognized by then.

Later, different researches revealed that exposure to sunlight also helped in Vitamin D synthesis, prompting many to expose themselves to sunlight. But, it increased incidences of melanoma and skin cancer.

The Department of Pediatrics, Bangalore, along with some others recently organized a medical education program, where eminent Pediatric endocrinologist tried to raise awareness about the prevalence of deficiency of vitamin D.

Dr. Raghupathy said that one of the many reasons of Vitamin D deficiency is that consumption of normal food doesn't provide Vitamin D.

Speaking on the topic, he said, "We are all Vitamin D deficient and this is because consumption of normal food does not supply Vitamin D, unless we have milk, butter, margarine, orange juice, specifically fortified with Vitamin D."

Meanwhile, the Institute of Medicine is mulling over plans to increase its guidelines for vitamin D consumption, as the existing guidelines of 200 IU per day is not sufficient.