A review of vitamin D insufficiency and its management: a lack of evidence and consensus persists.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the benefits and uncertainties of vitamin D supplementation, particularly its role in calcium homeostasis and its effects on falls and fractures in older people.
Results Summary
The study found mixed signals regarding vitamin D supplementation but overall evidence of benefit for those with risk factors for deficiency, recommending a daily dose of 800-1000 IU to achieve target levels of >25 to >80 nmol/l, while advising against large bolus doses.
Population
Older people, particularly those with risk factors for vitamin D deficiency.
Effective Dosage
800-1000 IU daily
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
vitamin D supplementation | increase | falls and fractures | older people | - | has been linked to | #1 |
vitamin D supplementation | increase | - | those with risk factors for deficiency | - | evidence of benefit | #2 |
daily dose of 800-1000 IU | increase | vitamin D target levels of >25 to >80 nmol/l | - | - | best achieved by | #3 |
Vitamin D deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, however uncertainty persists regarding the benefits of vitamin D supplementation. Vitamin D is essential for calcium homeostasis, and has been linked to falls and fractures in older people. There are numerous risk factors for vitamin D deficiency, chief among them old age. Studies of vitamin D supplementation have given mixed signals, but over all there is evidence of benefit for those with risk factors for deficiency. International guidelines recommend vitamin D target levels of >25 to >80 nmol/l, best achieved by a daily dose of 800-1000 IU. Large bolus doses should be avoided. There are still unanswered questions regarding vitamin D supplementation and target levels. There is need for well designed and powered trials to achieve consensus.