BONE & CALCIUM SPECIALIST – DHA LAHORE
Vitamin D Deficiency
| Dr. Rizwan Niazi
Vitamin D deficiency is widespread in Pakistan yet frequently under-diagnosed. Low levels weaken bones, reduce immunity, and affect hormonal health. Correct supplementation requires proper blood testing.
- ✓ 25-OH Vitamin D blood test
- ✓ Correct dose & form prescribed
- ✓ Calcium & PTH assessed together
- ✓ DHA Lahore – Mon to Sat
وٹامن ڈی کی کمی
پاکستان میں وٹامن ڈی کی کمی بہت عام ہے۔ اس سے ہڈیوں میں درد، تھکاوٹ، پٹھوں میں کمزوری اور قوت مدافعت میں کمی ہو سکتی ہے۔ ڈاکٹر رضوان نیازی ڈی ایچ اے لاہور میں خون کے ٹیسٹ کے ذریعے وٹامن ڈی کی سطح جانچ کر مناسب علاج فراہم کرتے ہیں۔
Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency produces symptoms that are often mistaken for general fatigue or ageing. A blood test is the only reliable way to confirm the diagnosis.
Bone & Muscle Pain
Aching bones and muscle weakness are the most common symptoms. Severe deficiency causes osteomalacia (soft bones) in adults and rickets in children.
Chronic Fatigue
Persistent tiredness not explained by poor sleep or anaemia. Low vitamin D affects energy metabolism and may contribute to low mood and depression.
Reduced Immunity
Vitamin D plays a key role in immune function. Deficiency is linked to recurrent infections, autoimmune conditions, and slow recovery from illness.
Hair Loss
Vitamin D receptors in hair follicles are important for hair cycling. Severe deficiency can contribute to diffuse hair thinning, particularly in women.
Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Prolonged low vitamin D causes PTH to rise, which in turn depletes calcium from bones. Testing vitamin D alongside PTH and calcium gives the full picture.
Low Bone Density
Long-term vitamin D deficiency weakens bones and increases fracture risk. This is particularly important in menopausal women and older adults.
Why Not Just Take Supplements Without Testing?
Many patients in Pakistan take vitamin D supplements without knowing their actual level. This leads to either under-dosing (no benefit) or – less commonly – toxicity from excess supplementation. A 25-OH Vitamin D blood test costs very little and determines whether you are deficient, insufficient, or sufficient, and guides the correct dose and duration of treatment.
25-OH Vitamin D Test
The gold-standard blood test for vitamin D status. Levels below 20 ng/mL are deficient; 20–30 insufficient; above 30 sufficient.
Correct Supplementation
Dose depends on the degree of deficiency. Severely deficient patients need loading doses followed by maintenance. Calcium intake must be adequate alongside vitamin D.
Repeat Testing
A follow-up 25-OH Vitamin D test after 3 months of supplementation confirms whether levels have reached the target range and guides ongoing maintenance dose.
Get your Vitamin D level tested properly
Dr. Rizwan Niazi at Chughtai Medical Center, DHA Lahore – Mon to Sat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have vitamin D deficiency?+
Testing for Vitamin D Deficiency
The only reliable way is a 25-OH Vitamin D blood test. Symptoms like fatigue, bone pain, and muscle weakness are non-specific and could have other causes. Testing confirms the diagnosis and guides the correct dose.
Is vitamin D deficiency common in Pakistan?+
Vitamin D Deficiency in Pakistan
Yes – studies show a very high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Pakistan, even in sunny regions. This is due to limited skin sun exposure, use of sunscreen and covered clothing, and dietary factors.
Can I take vitamin D without a prescription?+
Vitamin D Without Testing
Low-dose maintenance supplementation is generally safe. However, therapeutic loading doses should be guided by blood test results to avoid under-treatment or, rarely, toxicity from excessive supplementation.
How long does it take to correct vitamin D deficiency?+
Time to Correct Vitamin D Deficiency
With appropriate supplementation, levels typically reach the target range within 8–12 weeks. A follow-up blood test at 3 months confirms response and guides the maintenance dose.
Where can vitamin D deficiency be treated in Lahore?+
Vitamin D Treatment in Lahore
Dr. Rizwan Niazi (MBBS, MRCP, MCPS, MD) sees patients at Chughtai Medical Center, 154-CC Sector-DD, Phase IV, DHA Lahore, Monday to Saturday, 10 AM – 7 PM.
Related Services
🔹 Parathyroid Disorders
🔹 Bone & Calcium Disorders
🔹 Thyroid Treatment Lahore
