Medical experts have expressed concern over the growing prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Pakistan, warning that the condition has become a serious public health concern despite the country’s abundant sunshine.
The concerns were raised at the D-Connect Summit 2026, organised by a local pharmaceutical company at Avari Hotel on Mall Road, Lahore, in connection with World Vitamin D Day. The event brought together medical specialists to discuss the impact of vitamin D deficiency on bone health, women’s health and overall well-being.
Professor Dr. Faisal Masood, Head of Orthopaedics at Mayo Hospital Lahore, spoke on the importance of vitamin D for bone health throughout life, from childhood to old age.
He explained that bones support movement, protect vital organs and help maintain calcium balance in the body. Calcium is essential for the proper functioning of the heart, muscles and nerves, while vitamin D helps the body absorb and use calcium effectively.
According to Dr. Faisal Masood, around 73 per cent of Pakistan’s population is affected by vitamin D deficiency or insufficient levels, despite widespread sunshine.
He identified several contributing factors, including concerns about skin darkening, extreme weather conditions, clothing practices, social customs, spending extended periods indoors and air pollution, which can limit exposure to sunlight.
Changes in dietary habits are also contributing to the problem, he said, adding that people increasingly choose food based on taste rather than nutritional value.
Dr. Faisal warned that vitamin D deficiency can have serious consequences for bone health, particularly among older people. He noted that osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones, often remains undiagnosed until a minor injury or fall results in a fracture.
He stressed that bone health should be prioritised from childhood rather than only in old age. According to him, around 90 per cent of maximum bone strength is achieved during early life. Children should therefore be encouraged to participate in outdoor activities, play sports and consume balanced, nutritious diets.
He added that vitamin D contributes not only to bone strength but also to brain development, immune function and the effective use of calcium in the body.
The orthopaedic expert urged parents to pay particular attention to children’s nutrition and physical activity, saying healthy habits established early in life can help reduce the risk of bone disorders and fractures later on.
Vitamin D Deficiency Rates Highlighted in Research
Professor Dr. Asma Qazi, Head of the Department of Medicine at Rashid Latif Medical College Lahore, discussed Pakistan’s vitamin D deficiency crisis and medical guidelines for its appropriate treatment.
Speaking on the topic of assessing and treating vitamin D deficiency in Pakistan, she described it as a major public health challenge but cautioned against excessive use of vitamin D supplements without medical advice.
Dr. Qazi said vitamin D was among the most frequently prescribed supplements in medical practice. She identified three key questions for doctors: who should undergo vitamin D testing, who genuinely needs supplements and what dosage is appropriate for each patient.
Citing research findings, she said one study reported a vitamin D deficiency rate of 84.3 per cent, while an earlier review based on laboratory records found a rate of 61.1 per cent.
Research involving women of reproductive age found that approximately 79.7 per cent had vitamin D deficiency. Of these, 54 per cent had moderate deficiency and 25.7 per cent had severe deficiency.
According to figures presented by Dr. Qazi, studies conducted in different Pakistani cities reported deficiency rates ranging from 74 to 95.1 per cent among children and adults, indicating that the problem affects both urban and rural populations.
She identified air pollution, limited exposure to sunlight, clothing practices, natural skin pigmentation and inadequate consumption of vitamin D-rich foods as major contributing factors.
Dr. Qazi said children, adolescents, pregnant and breastfeeding women, older adults and people with obesity, kidney or liver diseases, or problems absorbing nutrients require particular attention.
She stressed that vitamin D supplementation should be based on a patient’s medical condition, age and individual requirements. Doctors should review medical histories, assess potential risks and arrange relevant tests when necessary before prescribing high doses.
She also warned that excessive vitamin D intake could be harmful and said high-dose supplementation should not be routinely recommended to everyone.
According to Dr. Qazi, daily vitamin D requirements vary with age. Some people can meet their needs through a balanced diet and sunlight exposure, while others may require supplements under medical supervision if these sources are insufficient, a deficiency is confirmed or they belong to a high-risk group.
During the summit, Dr. Andaleeb Arshad, Assistant Professor at Lahore General Hospital, also spoke about women’s health and the importance of vitamin D.