KARACHI: Highlighting the significance of vitamin D for the body’s mental and physical well-being, health experts at a programme on Monday said the country’s widespread vitamin D deficiency required evidence-based diagnosis and treatment.
Speaking at the programme titled ‘Connect Summit’ organised by Scotmann Pharmaceutical, they urged physicians to avoid unnecessary testing and indiscriminate high-dose supplementation.
In a presentation titled “Mapping the Burden, Mastering the Management,” Dr Sellal Ahmed, associate professor at Karachi Institute of Medical Sciences and consultant at Tabba Heart Institute, reviewed national research 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 61.1pc.
Limited sunlight exposure, indoor lifestyles, air pollution and dietary deficiencies cited as contributing factors
The experts cautioned that differences in study populations and diagnostic thresholds meant the figures could not be considered national estimates.
Limited sunlight exposure, indoor lifestyles, covered clothing, air pollution and dietary deficiencies were cited as contributing factors.
Dr Ahmed recommended targeted testing for patients with clinical indications, including skeletal disease and malabsorption, rather than routine screening of healthy adults.
He stressed individualised supplementation, appropriate monitoring and avoiding repeated megadoses without reassessment.
Dr Pervez Ali, associate professor of orthopaedics at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, said research indicated that about 73pc of Pakistani adults had insufficient vitamin D despite abundant sunshine.
In his presentation, “From Childhood to Aging — Vitamin D, A Lifetime Partner in Bone Health,” he highlighted the importance of early prevention, noting that nearly 90pc of peak bone mass was acquired by the end of adolescence.
Discussing vitamin D across women’s reproductive and post-menopausal years, Dr Farzana Amir outlined its potential links with menstrual disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, insulin resistance, infertility and pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.
She also highlighted how deficiency may contribute to bone loss, muscle weakness and fracture risks after menopause.
Other speakers included Dr Fakhra Sanjrani, Dr Yousuf Kamal, Dr Jagdesh Kumar, Prof Ahmed Iqbal Mirza and Dr Avenash Punshi.
The summit highlighted that vitamin D management should prioritise clinical assessment and safe treatment across all stages of life.
Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026
