D Connect Summit Highlights Pakistan’s Growing Vitamin D Deficiency Challenge

Karachi – 03 November 2026: To commemorate World Vitamin D Day, Scotmann Pharmaceuticals organized the D Connect Summit 2026 in Karachi, bringing together leading healthcare experts to discuss the growing burden of vitamin D deficiency in Pakistan. The summit emphasized the need for evidence-based diagnosis and treatment strategies while discouraging unnecessary laboratory testing and indiscriminate use of high-dose vitamin D supplements.

Research Reveals High Rates of Vitamin D Deficiency Across Pakistan

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 studies 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 noted that variations in study populations and diagnostic criteria mean these figures should not be treated as definitive national estimates. Limited sunlight exposure, indoor lifestyles, covered clothing, air pollution, and poor dietary intake were identified as major contributing factors.

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Experts Advocate Targeted Testing and Personalized Supplementation

Addressing clinical management, Dr Ahmed recommended targeted testing for patients with specific medical indications, including skeletal disorders and malabsorption conditions, instead of routine screening among healthy adults. He stressed the importance of individualized supplementation plans, proper monitoring, and avoiding repeated megadoses without reassessment. The summit highlighted that responsible vitamin D management can help prevent unnecessary healthcare costs and reduce potential risks associated with excessive supplementation.

Bone Health Benefits of Vitamin D Discussed Across All Life Stages

In his presentation, “From Childhood to Aging — Vitamin D, A Lifetime Partner in Bone Health,” Dr Pervez Ali, Associate Professor of Orthopedics at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, stated that research suggests nearly 73 percent of Pakistani adults have insufficient vitamin D levels despite abundant sunshine. He emphasized the importance of early prevention, noting that almost 90 percent of peak bone mass is acquired by the end of adolescence, making adequate vitamin D intake crucial for lifelong bone health and osteoporosis prevention.

Women’s Health Experts Highlight Vitamin D’s Wider Medical Impact

Discussing vitamin D’s role in women’s health, 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 an increased risk of fractures after menopause. Other notable speakers included Dr Fakhra Sanjrani, Dr Yousuf Kamal, Dr Jagdesh Kumar, Prof. Dr Ahmed Iqbal Mirza, and Dr Avenash Punshi. The summit concluded that vitamin D management should prioritize clinical assessment, preventive care, and safe treatment strategies throughout every stage of life.

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