Over 75pc Pakistani women have calcium deficiency: experts

A thought-provoking theatre play titled ‘Chuna Lagake’ was staged at the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, on Sunday to highlight the prevalence of calcium deficiency among Pakistani women and its impact on their health.

Organised by PharmEvo, a local pharmaceutical company, the event was attended by medical professionals and health experts, who lauded the initiative for spreading awareness about a critical health issue affecting women.

The play illustrated how calcium deficiency leads to weakened bones, osteoporosis and fractures, significantly impairing women’s ability to perform household and workplace responsibilities effectively. It also shed light on the resulting familial tensions caused by health-related challenges faced by women.

Speaking after the event, Dr Shaheen Zafar, a gynaecologist, emphasised that calcium deficiency is a leading health issue for women in Pakistan. “Due to this deficiency, women experience bone and joint problems but are often unaware of the root cause. These issues can be managed through proper calcium supplementation.”

Dr Shaheen also pointed out that repeated pregnancies further exacerbate calcium depletion, making women more susceptible to fractures in old age. “A healthy mother is the foundation of a healthy family,” she said, urging women to prioritise their health.

Major General Dr Shehla Baqai, dean at the Bahria University, highlighted the lack of awareness among women about their health. Unfortunately, she said, most women realise they have calcium deficiency only after suffering fractures.

“Soft drinks, which many consume regularly, further worsen the problem by hindering calcium absorption. Instead, we encourage women to drink water or lassi with meals for better calcium intake.”

Dr Shehla stressed the importance of a calcium-rich diet and supplements for girls to prevent bone-related issues later in life. She revealed that over 75 per cent of Pakistani women suffer from calcium deficiency, attributing it to poor dietary habits and insufficient awareness.

She also recommended taking PharmEvo’s calcium supplements, particularly those fortified with K-potentiated calcium, which minimise risks of kidney stones and atherosclerosis while enhancing bone health.

Mohsin Shiraz Ali, who is PharmEvo’s director of marketing, said that the company aims to promote not only physical but also mental and spiritual well-being. “Our dream is a healthy society, and through ‘Chuna Lagake’, we aim to raise awareness among women about the importance of calcium for their health,” he said, adding that calcium is crucial for preventing osteoporosis, a condition widely prevalent among Pakistani women.

Dr Sumbul Sahel, a professor at the Ziauddin Hospital, lauded the initiative, and said that such plays are vital for spreading awareness about health issues. “Young girls should be educated early on about calcium deficiency and its prevention. Consuming milk, cottage cheese and calcium supplements, such as PharmEvo’s K1000, can help address the deficiency.”

Dr Sumbul highlighted the dietary sources of calcium, including milk, yogurt, cheese, sesame seeds, bone marrow, leafy greens, almonds, soybeans and shellfish. “Regular consumption of these foods can effectively combat calcium deficiency.” She also listed symptoms such as muscle cramps, frequent fractures, dental problems, tingling sensations and fatigue as indicators of calcium deficiency.

The event underscored the urgent need to address calcium deficiency in Pakistan, particularly among women, and highlighted the role of awareness, proper diet and supplementation in ensuring better bone health and overall well-being.