Objectives: Positive relationship of vitamin D status with muscle mass and strength has been observed in studies from the developed countries but evidence from the developing countries is sparse. This study assessed the relationship of vitamin D status with muscle mass and muscle strength in rural young adults from Hyderabad, India. Methods: The study participants (n=956; age 18-20 years; 42% women) were a part of Andhra Pradesh Children and Parents Study cohort which was established to assess the long term impact of early nutrition supplementation provided through a government programme. Their serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was assessed using HPLC, appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and grip strength was assessed using grip dynamometer. Results: The participants were lean with average body mass index of 19.5 kg/m 2 . Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (serum 25(OH) vitamin D3 < 20 ng/ml) was 33.6% in men and 51.4% in women. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with lower ASM (β (95% CI): - 0.38 (-0.72 to -0.05)