A high percentage of Pakistani population has deficiency
of calcium and vitamin D. A hospital-based study from
Karachi reported that 92% of the out-patients had vitamin
D deficiency with female-to-male ratio of 5:1. Majority had
severe deficiency (62%). Patients with rickets,
osteomalacia and chronic kidney disease were excluded
from that study.16 In another study, the daily calcium
intake of an adult Pakistani was between 400mg and
600mg, in contrast to the recommended daily intake of
1000-1200mg.17 Another study compared nutrient intake
of an adult Pakistani, European and Africo-Caribbean
community residing in Manchester City, Britain. It found
that Pakistani females were obese and the calcium intake
of the Pakistani community was lower than other
communities.18