By definition, vitamin D deficiency is the lack of sufficient vitamin D level in the blood to maintain bone health. If there is enough sunbathing and a healthy diet, the possibility of vitamin D deficiency is low. However, vitamin D deficiency can be seen in patients with intestinal malabsorption, liver and kidney disease. People with certain risks need to measure the level of vitamin D in the blood. We can list these people as follows.
1) Those with dark skin color
2) Those who cannot sunbathe enough due to traditional clothing style
3) Women with a history of three or more pregnancies and a long breastfeeding period
4) Those who live in geographical areas with little sun exposure (eg, the polar region and living close to the polar regions)
5) The elderly and those living in a nursing home
6) Those with osteoporosis
7) Those who have a disease that causes intestinal malabsorption
8) Those who have a history of falling
9) Those who use drugs that accelerate vitamin D metabolism (some epilepsy drugs)
10) Sunscreen cream users
11) Elderly
Vitamin D deficiency is absolutely necessary for the continuation of bone health. However, since it is known that vitamin D has effects on many organs, there are opinions that insufficient or deficient vitamin D levels may play a role in the development of various diseases. Since scientific studies are still continuing to prove these views, it is difficult to provide clear data on this issue. However, when these studies are concluded, it would be correct to give more precise views.
The diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency is made by measuring vitamin D in the blood. It is not recommended to perform a routine vitamin D screening except for those who are at risk for our society.
The treatment of vitamin D deficiency is done by replacing the oral vitamin D, which is the physiological route, unless the person has an intestinal malabsorption. If there is a disease that causes malabsorption, then the injection route is preferred. A loading dose is applied for a certain period of time according to the blood vitamin D level, and the dose is adjusted to the daily requirement.
