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.