What is the most common vitamin deficiency in Pakistan? A comprehensive overview

December 27, 2025 •

3 min read

Despite Pakistan's abundant sunshine, studies reveal a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency across the nation. This alarming public health issue affects a majority of the population and underscores the need to address what is the most common vitamin deficiency in Pakistan and its underlying factors.

Quick Summary

Vitamin D deficiency is the most widespread vitamin deficiency in Pakistan, with iron deficiency anemia also posing a severe public health challenge. Causes include inadequate sun exposure, poor dietary habits, and socioeconomic factors, affecting vulnerable groups like women and children most acutely.

Key Points

Vitamin D is the most common deficiency: National surveys show Vitamin D deficiency affects nearly 80% of women and over 60% of children in Pakistan.
Widespread causes: Limited sun exposure due to cultural practices, indoor lifestyles, and pollution, combined with poor dietary intake, are primary drivers of Vitamin D deficiency.
Iron deficiency is also a major problem: Iron deficiency anemia affects a significant portion of women and children, particularly those in rural and low-income areas.
Severe health risks: Deficiencies in vitamins D and iron lead to serious conditions like rickets, osteoporosis, impaired cognitive development, and increased susceptibility to infections.
Solutions are multifaceted: Combating these deficiencies requires public education on sun exposure, dietary improvements, and effective government programs for fortification and supplementation.
Vulnerable populations are most at risk: The high prevalence in children and women of reproductive age necessitates targeted interventions for these groups to break the cycle of malnutrition.

Understanding the Most Prevalent Deficiency: Vitamin D

Recent national surveys paint a clear picture: vitamin D deficiency is the most common vitamin deficiency in Pakistan, reaching endemic proportions. The 2018 National Nutrition Survey (NNS) revealed that a staggering 79.7% of women of reproductive age (WRA) and 62.7% of children under five are vitamin D deficient. This is a severe public health concern, especially considering Pakistan's sunny climate throughout most of the year. Several interconnected factors contribute to this paradox.

Why is Vitamin D Deficiency So Widespread?

Limited Sun Exposure: Cultural norms often require women to be covered or stay indoors, significantly reducing skin exposure to sunlight, which is vital for vitamin D synthesis. Sedentary lifestyles and urbanization also contribute to reduced outdoor time for the general population.
Dietary Deficiencies: The traditional Pakistani diet is often low in natural sources of vitamin D, such as fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and certain egg yolks. Poverty further exacerbates this issue, as nutrient-rich foods may be unaffordable for a significant portion of the population.
Skin Pigmentation: Individuals with darker skin pigmentation have higher melanin levels, which reduces the skin's ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight, necessitating more exposure time.
Environmental Factors: High levels of pollution in major cities can block the sun's UVB rays, reducing the synthesis of vitamin D even when outdoors.

The Severe Consequences of Vitamin D Deficiency

Chronic vitamin D deficiency is linked to several serious health problems. For adults, it can lead to osteomalacia, causing bone softening and muscle weakness, and is a significant risk factor for osteoporosis. Pakistan is reported to have one of the highest rates of osteoporosis globally. In children, severe vitamin D deficiency is the primary cause of nutritional rickets, leading to poor bone mineralization and skeletal deformities. Low vitamin D levels also compromise the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections and impacting cardiovascular health and mood regulation.

Iron Deficiency Anemia: Another Critical Concern

While vitamin D is the most widespread deficiency, iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is also a major public health problem, particularly among specific populations. The 2018 NNS found that 28.9% of children under five and 18.4% of women of reproductive age suffered from IDA. The prevalence among women is especially high in rural settings. The causes overlap with vitamin D deficiency but have distinct characteristics.

Key Causes and Consequences of Iron Deficiency

Poor diet and maternal undernourishment during pregnancy are major factors. Consequences include severe fatigue, impaired cognitive development in children, and increased risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

Addressing Micronutrient Deficiencies: A Multifaceted Approach

To tackle these rampant deficiencies, a multi-pronged approach is necessary, combining clinical intervention with large-scale public health programs. Government and non-governmental organizations have been involved in initiatives such as food fortification, but wider coverage and community education are essential for long-term success.

Comparison of Common Deficiencies in Pakistan


Feature	Vitamin D Deficiency	Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA)
Prevalence (NNS 2018)	79.7% of WRA, 62.7% of children U5	18.4% of WRA, 28.9% of children U5
Primary Cause	Insufficient sunlight exposure and dietary intake	Inadequate iron intake, parasitic infections, and poor socioeconomic conditions
High-Risk Groups	Children and women of all socioeconomic strata	Children under five, women of reproductive age, particularly in rural areas
Key Symptoms	Bone pain, fatigue, mood changes, weak immunity	Lethargy, fatigue, paleness, poor concentration
Major Consequences	Rickets, osteoporosis, compromised immunity	Impaired cognitive development, low birth weight, maternal mortality risk
Prevention Strategy	Safe sun exposure, fortified foods, supplementation	Iron supplementation, food fortification, diverse diet

Conclusion

While iron deficiency remains a significant issue, recent data from sources like the National Nutrition Survey 2018 and various meta-analyses highlight that vitamin D deficiency is demonstrably the most common vitamin deficiency in Pakistan, affecting the vast majority of the population, including children and women. This widespread problem, caused by a combination of limited sun exposure, dietary gaps, and socioeconomic challenges, carries severe health consequences for bones, immunity, and overall well-being. A concerted, multi-sectoral public health effort is needed to raise awareness, improve dietary practices, and implement effective supplementation and food fortification strategies to tackle both Vitamin D and other prevalent micronutrient deficiencies.

Learn more about public health nutrition programs in Pakistan: National Nutrition Survey 2018 Key Findings Report.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most prevalent vitamin deficiency in Pakistan is Vitamin D deficiency, affecting the majority of the population across all ages.

Limited skin exposure to sunlight due to cultural practices, clothing choices, sedentary indoor lifestyles, and high urban pollution levels are the main reasons for widespread Vitamin D deficiency.

Common symptoms include bone pain, muscle weakness, chronic fatigue, frequent infections, hair loss, and mood changes.

Yes, iron deficiency anemia is another major public health issue, especially among children and women of reproductive age. Deficiencies in Vitamin A, folate, and zinc are also prevalent.

Health risks include bone disorders like rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults, a weakened immune system, cardiovascular issues, and developmental delays.

Effective strategies include safe and regular sun exposure, incorporating Vitamin D-rich or fortified foods into the diet, and using supplements under medical guidance.

The government, often with donor support, implements programs focused on micronutrient supplementation (e.g., iron-folic acid), food fortification (e.g., wheat flour), and public health education.