Vitamin D deficiency is nearly universal above the age of 50 years in northern part of India, with no difference among those with and without a history of fractures or with and without intake of vitamin D supplements. The study highlights the inadequacy of a daily vitamin D intake of 200-400 IU in normalizing serum 25(oH)D levels in this population, which is consistent with recent observations which indicate that a daily intake of 2000 IU cholecalciferol would be required for this. The absence of PTH elevation despite severe vitamin D deficiency is an area for future research.