Experts warn vitamin D deficiency is widespread across Pakistan

Vitamin D deficiency affects a large share of Pakistan's population across age groups even though the country gets plenty of sunlight, medical specialists said at a summit in Lahore held in connection with World Vitamin D Day.

The D Connect Summit 2026, organised by Scotmann at the Avari Hotel on Mall Road, brought together physicians who spoke on bone health, women's health and the management of deficiency.

Prof Dr Faisal Masood, professor and head of the orthopaedics department at Mayo Hospital, Lahore, said estimates suggest about 73 per cent of people are either deficient in vitamin D or have inadequate levels. He gave several reasons: people avoid direct sunlight because of concerns about skin tanning and the country's extreme weather, and clothing habits, social customs, indoor lifestyles and air pollution further cut exposure. Food is increasingly chosen for taste rather than nutritional value, he added.

Speaking on bone health from childhood to old age, he said osteoporosis often goes undetected until a person suffers a fracture after a minor fall, citing an elderly woman who broke a bone at home. About 90 per cent of a person's peak bone mass is built in the younger years, he said, so children should be encouraged to play outdoors and eat well. He said vitamin D also has a role in brain development, immunity and the body's use of calcium.

Prof Dr Asma Kazi, professor and head of medicine at Rashid Latif Medical College, Lahore, said deficiency is a major public health concern but warned against excessive supplementation without medical advice. She said vitamin D is among the most frequently prescribed supplements, and doctors need to ask who should be tested, who actually needs supplements and at what dose.

She cited studies reporting deficiency rates of 84.3 per cent in one and 61.1 per cent in a retrospective laboratory-based assessment. She said 79.7 per cent of women of reproductive age were deficient, with 54 per cent moderately and 25.7 per cent severely deficient. Studies in different Pakistani cities, she said, showed rates ranging from 74 to 95.1 per cent.

Dr Asma listed children, adolescents, pregnant and breastfeeding women, elderly people, and people with obesity, kidney disease, liver disorders or conditions affecting nutrient absorption as groups needing particular attention. She said doctors should review medical history and risk factors and carry out relevant tests before prescribing high doses, because excessive vitamin D intake can cause harm. Requirements vary with age, and supplements are needed where diet and sunlight fall short or deficiency is confirmed.

Dr Andleeb Arshad, assistant professor at Lahore General Hospital, also spoke at the summit on women's health and vitamin D.