News Desk
KARACHI: Pakistan’s widespread vitamin D deficiency requires evidence-based diagnosis and treatment, with physicians urged to avoid unnecessary testing and indiscriminate high-dose supplementation, experts said at the Connect Summit organised by Scotmann Pharmaceuticals.
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 and prescribing guidelines.
A review of 18 publications reported an 84.82 percent prevalence of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency, while an audit of 60,937 laboratory records found a rate of 61.1 percent. 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 orthopedics at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, said research indicated that about 73 per cent 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 90 per cent of peak bone mass is acquired by the end of adolescence.
Dr Farzana Amir, discussing vitamin D across women’s reproductive and post-menopausal years, 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. Dr 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.
rafiq@biztoday.news
