Pakistan has a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency due to a combination of factors.
- Limited Sunlight Exposure: Many people in Pakistan, especially women, may have limited sun exposure due to cultural practices like wearing veils or staying indoors.
- Dietary Deficiency: The Pakistani diet often lacks sufficient vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish, eggs, and fortified dairy products.
- Malabsorption: Certain health conditions, such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease, can impair the absorption of vitamin D from the gut.
- Pollution: Air pollution, which is a significant problem in many Pakistani cities, can also contribute to vitamin D deficiency by blocking sunlight.
These factors together create a situation where many people in Pakistan are at risk of vitamin D deficiency.
