Objective: To estimate the frequency of Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) among the patients presented to a public sector facility.
Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted at Department of Pathology, Dow International Medical College, Karachi. Vitamin D (25[OH] D) level was checked from July 2012 to June 2016.
Results: A total Out of 7838 samples, 5890 (75.1%) belonged to males and 1948 (24.9%) to females. Among total subjects, 58.2%, 13.8% and 28.0% were found deficient, insufficient and sufficient, respectively. The highest frequency of VDD was found among 34 to 39 (23.0%) years of age group.
Conclusion: VDD was observed in all age groups. Focused health care education and public awareness programs are needed to improve the situation. Encouraging the healthy lifestyle, optimum sun exposure and prompt diagnosis of VDD would be beneficial to alleviate the magnitude of prevalence of VDD in Pakistan.
Key words: Vitamin D deficiency, status of vitamin D, 25[OH] D, Prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency.
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