Experts highlight Pakistan’s growing vitamin D crisis at Lahore summit

LAHORE -- Medical experts have warned that vitamin D deficiency is widespread in Pakistan, affecting people across different age groups despite the country's abundant sunshine. They stressed the need for greater public awareness, early diagnosis and proper treatment to address the growing health challenge.

The concerns were raised at the D Connect Summit 2026, organised in connection with World Vitamin D Day at Avari Hotel on Mall Road, Lahore. The seminar was arranged by *Scotmann Pharmaceuticals which brought together medical professionals who discussed the impact of vitamin D deficiency on bone health, women's health and overall well-being.

Prof. Dr Faisal Masood, Professor and Head of the Department of Orthopaedics at Mayo Hospital, Lahore, spoke on the topic, “From Childhood to Aging: Vitamin D – A Lifetime Partner in Bone Health.”

He explained that bones perform several important functions in the human body. These include helping people move, protecting vital organs and maintaining calcium balance. Calcium is essential for the proper functioning of the heart, muscles and nerves, while vitamin D helps the body absorb and use calcium.

Dr Faisal said Pakistan was facing a serious problem of vitamin D deficiency despite receiving plenty of sunlight. He referred to estimates suggesting that approximately 73 per cent of people were either vitamin D deficient or had inadequate levels.

He identified several reasons behind the problem. People often avoid direct sunlight because of concerns about skin tanning and the country's extreme weather conditions. Clothing habits, social customs, indoor lifestyles and air pollution also reduce exposure to sunlight.

He added that changing food habits had further contributed to the problem. People were increasingly choosing food for taste rather than considering its nutritional value.

The orthopaedic expert warned that vitamin D deficiency could have serious consequences for bone health, particularly in older people. He explained that osteoporosis often remained undetected until a person suffered a fracture after a minor fall.
Referring to a clinical example of an elderly woman who suffered a fracture after falling at home, he explained how several factors, including old age, limited physical activity, steroid use and other health conditions, could increase the risk of weak bones.

He stressed that bone health should be protected from childhood rather than addressed only in old age. According to him, nearly 90 per cent of peak bone mass is achieved during younger years. Children should therefore be encouraged to participate in outdoor activities and consume nutritious food to develop strong bones.

He also highlighted that vitamin D had functions beyond bone health. It plays a role in several body processes, including brain development, immunity and the proper use of calcium.

Dr Faisal urged parents to pay attention to children's nutrition and physical activities, saying that a healthy lifestyle during early life could help reduce the risk of fractures and bone-related diseases later.

Prof. Dr Asma Kazi, Professor and Head of Medicine at Rashid Latif Medical College, Lahore, discussed Pakistan's vitamin D crisis and the guidelines for its proper management.

Speaking on the topic, “Mapping the Burden, Mastering the Management: Pakistan's Vitamin D Crisis and PSIM Guidelines,” she said that vitamin D deficiency was a major public health concern. However, she also warned against the growing practice of excessive supplementation without proper medical advice.

She said vitamin D was among the most frequently prescribed supplements in medical practice, but doctors needed to consider three important questions: who should be tested, who actually needed supplementation and what dose should be prescribed.

Dr Asma referred to different studies highlighting the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Pakistan. She cited research reporting deficiency rates of 84.3 per cent in one study and 61.1 per cent in a retrospective laboratory-based assessment.

She also referred to findings suggesting that 79.7 per cent of women of reproductive age had vitamin D deficiency, with 54 per cent moderately deficient and 25.7 per cent severely deficient.

According to the figures she presented, vitamin D deficiency was also reported among children and adults in both urban and rural areas. Some studies conducted in different Pakistani cities showed deficiency rates ranging from 74 to 95.1 per cent.

She explained that air pollution, limited exposure to sunlight, clothing practices, skin pigmentation and a lack of vitamin D-rich food were among the major reasons behind the problem.

The physician identified children, adolescents, pregnant and breastfeeding women, elderly people and individuals suffering from obesity, kidney disease, liver disorders and conditions affecting nutrient absorption as groups requiring special attention.

She emphasised that vitamin D supplementation should be based on a patient's medical condition, age and individual needs. Doctors should review patients' medical histories, assess possible risk factors and carry out relevant tests before prescribing high doses.

She also cautioned that excessive vitamin D intake could cause harmful effects. According to her, routine high-dose supplementation was not appropriate for everyone, and treatment should follow medical guidelines.

Dr Asma further explained that vitamin D requirements varied with age. While daily requirements could be met through diet and sunlight in some cases, supplements might be necessary when these sources were insufficient or when a person had a confirmed deficiency or belonged to a high-risk group.

At the summit, Dr Andleeb Arshad, Assistant Professor at Lahore General Hospital (LGH), also spoke about women's health and the importance of vitamin D.