Vitamin D deficiency is common in many populations, particularly in patients at higher latitudes, during winter months and in those with limited sun exposure. Over the counter Vitamin D supplements and increased summer sun exposure are sufficient for most otherwise healthy patients. Laboratory testing is appropriate in higher risk patients when results will be used to institute more aggressive therapy (e.g., osteoporosis, chronic kidney disease, malabsorption, some infections).

Conditions: Vitamin D Deficiency, Osteoporosis, Osteopenia

Diagnostic Tests: 25-OH-Vitamin D Deficiency Screening

Sources

• Bilinski KL, Boyages SC. The rising cost of vitamin D testing in Australia: time to establish guidelines for testing. Med. J. Aust. Jul 16 2012;197(2):90. (PubMed)
• Holick MF, Binkley NC, Bischoff-Ferrari HA, et al. Evaluation, treatment, and prevention of vitamin D deficiency: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. Jul 2011;96(7):1911-1930. (PubMed)
• Lu CM. Pathology consultation on vitamin D testing: clinical indications for 25(OH) vitamin D measurement. Am. J. Clin. Pathol. May 2012;137(5):831-832. (PubMed)
• Sattar N, Welsh P, Panarelli M, Forouhi NG. Increasing requests for vitamin D measurement: costly, confusing, and without credibility. Lancet. Jan 14 2012;379(9811):95-96. (PubMed)