Introduction

Calcium and vitamin D are crucial for maintaining bone health. Deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to weakened bones and the development of diseases like osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a silent disease characterized by bone loss, often associated with aging and estrogen deficiency. It can lead to immobilizing fractures. Exposure to cadmium has also been linked to the occurrence of osteoporosis. Rational sun exposure and the use of supplements are necessary to fulfill the body's vitamin D requirements.

Objective

The primary goal of our study was to determine the frequency of vitamin D deficiency in females and males and to raise awareness about vitamin D deficiency diseases.

Methodology

Our survey consisted of 15 multiple-choice questions in simple English. Data was collected using Google forms and manual methods from females, males, children, and elderly people in Karachi, Pakistan, during March-April 2018 to assess their vitamin D and calcium levels.

Results

The survey results were categorized into seven key areas. The first category showed that 56.3% of participants spent more than 2-4 hours outdoors. The second category revealed that 50.2% of people exposed only their hands and face to sunlight. The third category indicated that 124 out of 215 people suffered from joint and bone pain. The fourth category showed that 63.7% of people experienced muscle pain. The fifth category revealed that 58.9% of people had not undergone a vitamin D test. The sixth category showed that 52.6% of people were taking vitamin D supplements. The seventh category indicated that 50.9% of people were taking calcium supplements without having a vitamin D test.

Conclusion

According to our survey, we found that a very small number of people had tested their vitamin D and calcium levels. We concluded that most people (56.3%) spent more than 2-4 hours outdoors, but only 50.2% exposed their hands and face to the sun. This lack of adequate sun exposure led to vitamin D deficiency, which in turn caused calcium deficiency and resulted in joint, bone, and muscle pain in 57.7% and 63.7% of participants, respectively. Many people were unaware of the importance of vitamin D and the need for testing.