Vitamin D Deficiency Widespread Among Women and Children in Afghanistan

KABUL (Afghan Verified) - Vitamin D deficiency is common in Afghanistan, particularly among women and children, leading to weak bones, muscle pain, fatigue and increased susceptibility to diseases, health specialists say.

Dr. Sayed Farid Shah Rafiee, an internal medicine specialist at Wazir Mohammad Akbar Khan Hospital, told Pajhwok Afghan News that vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, bone and muscle strength, and immune function. Deficiency symptoms include fatigue, bone and joint pain, muscle weakness, and in children, rickets, which softens bones. Persistent cases can result in osteoporosis, fractures and reduced infection resistance.

Dr. Mamoosi Zewar, former Deputy Minister of Public Health, stated in a 2022 article that 64 percent of women in Afghanistan suffer from the deficiency. Experts attribute it to limited sunlight exposure, sedentary lifestyles, poor nutrition, obesity, liver and kidney diseases, frequent childbirths and aging. Women are more affected due to indoor lifestyles, protective clothing, limited outdoor activity and higher nutritional demands during pregnancy and breastfeeding, according to Drs. Rafiee, Nisar Ahmad Zahir and Farzana Durani, internal medicine and gynecology specialists in Kabul.

Dr. Zahir said most of his patients with the condition are women who rarely see sunlight. Dr. Durani noted that despite abundant sunlight in Afghanistan, lifestyle factors contribute to the problem.

The condition is preventable and treatable, Dr. Rafiee said. He recommended 15-30 minutes of daily sunlight exposure, consumption of vitamin D-rich foods such as fish, eggs and dairy products, regular physical activity and medical consultation for symptoms. Supplements may be necessary under medical advice.

Fereshta Ahmadi, a Kabul resident, said she suffered severe fatigue and joint pain until tests revealed vitamin D deficiency, which her doctor linked to her symptoms.