VITAMIN D is one of the most essential vitamins for all age groups. Its best source is the sun. When human skin is exposed to the sun, its ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays react with the cholesterol beneath the skin and vitamin D is formed. This process starts from morning sunshine and matures after 10am. It is natural and the best source of vitamin D. Three types of vitamin D are formed; D1, D2 and D3. Doctors usually recommend vitamin D3 because it is stored in fatty portions of the body for 2-3 weeks. Modern lifestyle tends to deprive many of this natural source, leading to large-scale D3 deficiency.
Vitamin D3 is essential for boosting the immune system. Those with inadequate sun exposure are more susceptible to health issues. They, alternatively, need a constant supply of synthetic vitamin D3, which is highly expensive.
Deficiency of vitamin D3 is a global issue, affecting an estimated 50-60 per cent of the world’s population. In Pakistan, such a deficiency is highly endemic. Epidemio-logical studies have clearly indicated that approximately 70-90pc population of Pakistan is seriously D3-deficient. It represents a widespread public health crisis because this deficiency may also be linked to higher risks of cardiovas-cular, respiratory and metabolic diseases.
Dr M. Qudrat-e-Khuda
Karachi
Published in Dawn, August 4th, 2026