Scotmann Pharmaceuticals organised the D Connect Summit 2026 in Karachi to mark World Vitamin D Day, bringing together medical experts who highlighted the widespread prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Pakistan and called for evidence-based diagnosis and responsible treatment.
Experts at the summit urged physicians to avoid unnecessary testing and indiscriminate high-dose supplementation, stressing the importance of clinical assessment, individualised treatment and appropriate monitoring.
In a presentation titled “Mapping the Burden, Mastering the Management,” Dr Sellal Ahmed, Associate Professor at KIMS and Consultant at Tabba Heart Institute, reviewed national research findings and prescribing guidelines.
A review of 18 publications reported an 84.82 per cent prevalence of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency, while an audit of 60,937 laboratory records found a rate of 61.1 per cent. However, experts cautioned that differences in study populations and diagnostic thresholds meant these figures should not be treated as national estimates.
Limited sunlight exposure, indoor lifestyles, covered clothing, air pollution and dietary deficiencies were identified as contributing factors.
Dr Ahmed recommended targeted testing for patients with relevant clinical indications, including skeletal disease and malabsorption, rather than routine screening of healthy adults. He also emphasised individualised supplementation, appropriate monitoring and avoiding repeated megadoses without reassessment.
Dr Pervez Ali, Associate Professor of Orthopedics at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, said research indicated that around 73 per cent of Pakistani adults had insufficient vitamin D despite the country’s abundant sunshine.
In his presentation, “From Childhood to Aging — Vitamin D, a Lifetime Partner in Bone Health,” he highlighted the importance of prevention from an early age, noting that nearly 90 per cent of peak bone mass is acquired by the end of adolescence.
Dr Farzana Amir discussed vitamin D across women’s reproductive and post-menopausal years, outlining its potential links with menstrual disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, insulin resistance, infertility and pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.
She also highlighted the potential contribution of vitamin D deficiency to bone loss, muscle weakness and increased fracture risk after menopause.
Other speakers at the summit included Dr Fakhra Sanjrani, Dr Yousuf Kamal, Dr Jagdesh Kumar, Prof. Dr Ahmed Iqbal Mirza and Dr Avenash Punshi.
The summit concluded with an emphasis on prioritising clinical assessment and safe, appropriate vitamin D management throughout all stages of life.