Vitamin D deficiency is an exciting new topic of research as it has been linked to not only bone health, but also to cancer, hypertension, diabetes and autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis.  Northern latitude regions, such as Ireland, are considered high risk for Vitamin D deficient patients.

Much to the joy of researchers in this field, the Endocrine Society has reviewed current research and established Clinical Practice Guidelines for “evaluation, treatment and prevention of vitamin D deficiency”, thus recognizing the importance of this topic. Vitamin D deficiency is defined as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D  levels below 20 ng/mL. Recommended values are now set between 40-60 ng/mL. Some high risk groups include pregnant women, African-Americans, obese individuals and individuals with malabsorption conditions. This publication outlines specific serum targets and daily intake levels to achieve this based on age. Prevention and treatment can be achieved by Vitamin D2 or D3 supplementation and by fortified food intake.Â

Be on the lookout for Vitamin D in the literature as we learn more about its integral role in human health.

Full article (requires access to RCSI Library):
http://jcem.endojournals.org.proxy.library.rcsi.ie/content/96/7/1911.full?sid=64de8de5-24f1-483d-90f9-24427cd429cd
Summary: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21646368
PMID: 21646368

Title: Evaluation, treatment, and prevention of vitamin D deficiency: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline.
Authors: Holick MF, Binkley NC, Bischoff-Ferrari HA, Gordon CM, Hanley DA, Heaney RP et al
Journal Title: The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism