Introduction:
Vitamin D is an essential micro nutrient for wellbeing of a living
individual (1). Sunlight plays an important role in its production in
the body (1). It works as a pleiotropic hormone (2). Its deficiency in
children is manifested by improper growth of bone commonly known as
rickets (3). Previously, vitamin D was considered to only affect bone
metabolism and calcium absorption, but later studies found its vital
role in many other physiological functions in the body (4). It was found
that almost all cell types exhibit vitamin D receptors (VDR) and all
vital organs and tissues of the body are benefitted by vitamin D (5).
Since past decades, much attention have been diverted to understand its
role in different modalities such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular
disorders, infections especially tuberculosis and some auto-immune
disorders such as psoriasis and multiple sclerosis etc (5). Even some
types of cancers such as prostate, breast and colon have been correlated
with its deficiency (6, 7).
As Pakistan is a developing country and most of its population resides
in the villages (8). Its geographical location (30.3753° N, 69.3451° E)
makes it a country of proper sun light throughout the year (9). Due to
the cultural norms, people wear dresses that cover the whole body. (10).
Malnourishment in the villages and imbalanced diet in the urban settings
are common problems in this population (11). Due to un-awareness and
cultural norms, people could not get proper sun shine, therefore vitamin
D deficiency is prevalent in all over the country (13).
This review would be helpful to understand the recent status of vitamin
D deficiency in the healthy subjects and in different diseases and
conditions in the Pakistani population.