Why Fewer Patients Will Have Vitamin D Blood Levels Drawn

You’ll hear growing controversy about the benefits of vitamin D.

For many years, the “sunshine vitamin” has been enjoying a spot in the limelight…but enthusiasm for it is dimming.

Early interest was mainly based on observational data suggesting a link between low vitamin D levels and heart disease, diabetes, cancer, etc.

But so far this ISN’T panning out in some randomized trials. For example, supplementation doesn’t seem to reduce the risk of heart disease or type 2 diabetes…and it’s too early to say if it reduces cancer risk.

For now, ensure patients get enough vitamin D to maintain bone health. In general, suggest 600 IU/day for people ages 1 through 70 and 800 IU/day in adults over age 70…from foods AND supplements combined.

For patients at high fracture risk (osteoporosis, etc) consider 1000 IU/day or even somewhat higher…vitamin D plus calcium seems to reduce fracture risk in these cases. But discourage over 4000 IU/day in most patients…due to a lack of benefit and potential harm.

Help patients find foods rich in vitamin D. For example, point out they can get about 100 IU of vitamin D in a cup of milk or fortified orange juice, 150 IU in 85 g of tuna, or about 450 IU in 85 g of salmon.

Expect many adults to also need at least a 400 IU/day supplement.

Explain most people can get enough vit D with food and supplements…so routine screening or monitoring of vitamin D levels isn’t needed.