Vitamin D: A Clinical Perspective

Summary

Although its primary role is to regulate calcium and phosphorus absorption/resorption to maintain bone health, the clinical significance of vitamin D is very broad. This article explains why vitamin D is so important to the body.

Metametrix

This content was created by the Metametrix Institute

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Vitamin D: A Clinical Perspective. Metametrix white paper. 2006

Details

Vitamin D, also known as cholecalciferol, may be one of the least understood and most under-utilized therapeutic interventions available. Despite overwhelming research concerning the use of vitamin D, it continues to be largely neglected as a powerful clinical tool. Evidence continues to mount regarding a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. Original methodology for establishing a recommended daily allowance for vitamin D was flawed and new ranges need to be adopted to prevent insufficiencies. One study showed that no subject received the recommended vitamin D dose from dietary sources alone; adequate sun exposure provided approximately 90% of vitamin D. The well-known potential for toxicity from excess vitamin D underscores the importance of monitoring vitamin D status following a period of supplementation. Testing at risk populations is well warranted. For example, vitamin D has been shown to reduce hip fracture by 20%. Just this one applicable use of vitamin D would lead to an estimated annual savings of 1.5 to 2 billion dollars from reduction in fracture incidence.