High prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy and implications for health

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“High prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy and implications for health,”

Holick MF, Mayo Clin Proc., 2006; 81(3): 353-73. (Address: Vitamin D,

Skin and Bone Research Laboratory, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes,

and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of

Medicine, Boston, Mass 02118, USA. E-Mail: mfholick@... ).

Summary: In a review discussing the prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy

and its ramifications for health, the author recommends that sensible

sun exposure and supplementation with vitamin D may prevent deficiency

in most of the general population. Approximately 36% of healthy young

adults and 57% of general medicine inpatients in the United States have

inadequate levels of vitamin D, with higher inadequacy percentages in

Europe. Recent findings demonstrate a high prevalence of inadequate

vitamin D levels in elderly patients, particularly among those with

osteoporosis. Factors contributing to this increased prevalence of

vitamin D inadequacy are low sunlight exposure, age-related decreases in

cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D production, and diets low in vitamin D.

This increased prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy has a major impact on

public health, since findings from research conducted within the past

ten years underline the importance of vitamin D for health beyond the

prevention of rickets alone. Adequate vitamin D levels are important for

children to reach their genetically programmed peak bone mass, and in

adults, adequate vitamin D levels are important for proper muscle

functioning and bone health (prevention of osteoporosis). Additionally,

new evidence seems to indicate that adequate vitamin D levels may have a

potential role in the prevention of type 1 diabetes, hypertension, and

certain cancers. Thus, this review examines the high prevalence of

vitamin D inadequacy and its implications for health, and recommends

vitamin D supplementation and sensible sun exposure to prevent

inadequate vitamin D levels in the general population.

--

ne Holden, MS, RD < fivestar@... >

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