Vitamin D does not require routine monitoring and is not a screening test: Physicians
This week, the US Endocrine Society released a new guideline that advises healthy adults to forego vitamin D testing and supplementation until they are 75 years old.
Doctors stated on Saturday that, in light of new guidelines released by the US Endocrine Society, testing for vitamin D is not necessary on a regular basis and is not a screening test for the vital vitamin that is good for the heart and bones.
It is a fat-soluble vitamin, also referred to as the "sunshine vitamin," and comes in two primary forms: D-2 and D-3.
It is a crucial micronutrient that is required for healthy immune system function as well as the growth of teeth and bones. Numerous research studies have connected its deficiency to common conditions such as infectious, autoimmune, metabolic, cardiovascular, malignant, and musculoskeletal disorders.
As a result, there was a general increase in laboratory testing and supplementation.
This week, the US Endocrine Society released a new recommendation that advises healthy adults to forego vitamin D testing and supplementation until they are 75 years old.
The panel recommended against routinely testing for 25-hydroxyvitamin D in people in general good health who do not otherwise have clear indications.
"Vitamin D is supplemented by probably just about everyone who deals with health, nutrition, health coaches and similar who have absolutely no idea what high levels or doses of vitamin D can do," IANS was informed by Phulrenu Chauhan, Section Head and Consultant in Endocrinology at P. D. Hinduja Hospital.
He bemoaned the fact that labs are now including vitamin D assessment in their packages.
"Doing routine vitamin D tests is not necessary. It is only advised to do this in very specific circumstances. It's definitely not a screening test, according to Phulrenu.
The new recommendations only advised vitamin D intake for adults with high-risk pre-diabetes, children, pregnant women, and seniors over 75.
Routine testing of vitamin D levels is not advised, with the exception of these particular conditions, because it is expensive and supplementation may not be beneficial in healthy individuals, according to Anoop Misra, Chairman & Director, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Fortis C-Doc Hospital, who spoke with IANS.
The majority of people in India are unaware of the significance of vitamin D deficiency, despite the fact that it is common in the population. It can lower the risk of rickets in children, lower mortality in the elderly, lessen the risk of unfavorable fetal outcomes during pregnancy, and stop the onset of diabetes in people with prediabetes. Under these circumstances, administration is advised," the expert stated.