Vitamin D Guidelines

In June 2024, the Endocrine Society published their guidelines in regard to vitamin D.  Due to the gross inadequacy and understatement of the benefits of vitamin D, many objections have been voiced by diverse provider groups.

The causes of deficiency are several and include: avoidance of sunshine, frequent use of sunscreen, living at higher latitudes, cultural/religious practices of full cover clothing, having dark skin, aging, a history of bariatric surgery, and medications.  Deficiency will cause rickets in children and in adults, it causes osteomalacia; an under-recognized disease.  In addition to vitamin D directly influencing skeletal health, it enhances immunity, muscle function, brain health, hair growth, skin health, and energy metabolism.

A simple blood test, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, can determine a patient’s vitamin D level.  While levels of >30 ng/ml are considered normal, there is a natural fluctuation of approximately 13 ng/ml in summer vs. winter.  This means that a patient who tests just above 30 ng/ml during the summer will be deficient for part of the year.  For improved health, the better strategy is to achieve a blood level of 50 ng/ml for all months of the year.

As we’ve explored the importance of vitamin D and its far-reaching effects on health, it’s clear that understanding bone health is crucial for healthcare providers. For those looking to deepen their knowledge in this area, our continuing education course, “Osteoporosis: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Strategies,” offers valuable insights. This course complements the information presented here by delving into osteoporosis, a condition closely linked to vitamin D deficiency. By exploring the symptoms, causes, and treatment strategies for osteoporosis, healthcare professionals can better serve their patients, especially those at risk of vitamin D deficiency. This comprehensive approach to bone health education empowers providers to make informed decisions about vitamin D supplementation and overall patient care.