The Endocrine Society has issued a new Clinical Practice Guideline on vitamin D supplementation, emphasizing tailored recommendations for different demographic groups. Here are the key takeaways:
For Healthy Adults Under 75:
Vitamin D supplementation beyond the recommended daily intake by the Institutes of Medicine (IOM) is not advised.
Populations That May Benefit from Supplementation Beyond IOM Recommendations:
Children and adolescents under 18: to prevent nutritional rickets and reduce respiratory infections.
Individuals aged 75 and older: to lower mortality risk.
Pregnant individuals: to reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, and neonatal mortality.
Adults with prediabetes: to reduce the progression to diabetes.
Recommendations for Adults Over 50 with Indications for Supplementation:
Lower-dose daily vitamin D is preferred over higher-dose non-daily supplementation.
Against Routine Testing for 25-hydroxyvitamin D Levels:
Routine testing is not recommended across studied populations, including those with dark complexion or obesity, as outcome-specific benefits based on these levels have not been established.
The guideline, published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, underscores the importance of evidence-based supplementation tailored to individual health needs. Despite advancements in understanding vitamin D’s role, the panel acknowledges limitations in available evidence, emphasizing the need for further research.