New Vitamin D Guidelines: Why They May Not Apply to Everyone, Especially in India
Highlights:
- Indians often need higher vitamin D supplementation due to unique risk factors
- Children and adolescents should take 1000 IU/day to prevent rickets and respiratory infections
- Adults over 75 years and pregnant women may benefit from daily doses of up to 2000 IU
The US Endocrine Society's recent guidelines on vitamin D supplementation offer valuable insights, but Indians may need a different approach due to unique risk factors (1✔).
Vitamin D Supplementation in India
The US panel advises against routine supplementation for healthy individuals. However, several factors make this inapplicable to India:‘Did You Know?
Despite ample sunlight, 70-90% of Indians are vitamin D deficient. #vitaminddeficiency #medindia’
High Prevalence of Deficiency: Despite ample sunlight, factors like sun-avoidance and pollution contribute to low vitamin D levels in Indians.
Vitamin D Supplementation Guidelines Across Different Age Groups and Conditions
Children and Adolescents (1-18 years)
Supplementation recommended: To prevent nutritional rickets and potentially lower respiratory tract infections.
Dosage: 1000 IU/day as per Indian studies has shown effectiveness in correcting deficiency.
Adults under 50 years
US Panel: Against routine supplementation.
Indian Considerations: Supplementation may be beneficial due to:
- Lower baseline D levels
- Higher prevalence and earlier onset of osteoporosis fractures
- Limited sun exposure, especially in urban areas
Adults over 75 years
US Panel: Supplementation recommended regardless of D levels for potential reduction in mortality risk. Daily doses of 900-1000 IU suggested.
Pregnancy
US Panel: Recommends supplementation for potential benefits like lowering preeclampsia and neonatal mortality risks. Dosage range of 600-5000 IU/day with an average of 2500 IU used in trials.
Indian Considerations: In the absence of an established optimal dose, ~2000 IU/day is considered safe.
Adults with Prediabetes
US Panel: Suggests supplementation to potentially reduce diabetes risk alongside lifestyle changes. Dosage range used in trials, with ~2000 IU/day likely sufficient.
Indian Considerations: Given the high prevalence of prediabetes (~15.3%), this recommendation is particularly important.
Dosage Considerations for Adults (over 50 years)
US Panel: Daily, lower-dose vitamin D for those needing supplementation.
Indian Considerations: Daily dose of 1000-2000 IU/day is a good option.
While the US guidelines provide valuable insights, Indians may require higher vitamin D supplementation due to specific risk factors. Consulting a physician for personalized recommendations is crucial.
Reference:
- Endocrine Society Guideline recommends healthy adults under the age of 75 take the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D - (https:www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/2024/endocrine-society-recommends-healthy-adults-take-the-recommended-daily-allowance-of-vitamin-d)
Source: Medindia
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Dr. Preethi Balasubramanian. (2024, June 11). New Vitamin D Guidelines: Why They May Not Apply to Everyone, Especially in India. Medindia. Retrieved on Jul 03, 2024 from https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/new-vitamin-d-guidelines-why-they-may-not-apply-to-everyone-especially-in-india-215997-1.htm.
MLA
Dr. Preethi Balasubramanian. "New Vitamin D Guidelines: Why They May Not Apply to Everyone, Especially in India". Medindia. Jul 03, 2024. <https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/new-vitamin-d-guidelines-why-they-may-not-apply-to-everyone-especially-in-india-215997-1.htm>.
Chicago
Dr. Preethi Balasubramanian. "New Vitamin D Guidelines: Why They May Not Apply to Everyone, Especially in India". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/new-vitamin-d-guidelines-why-they-may-not-apply-to-everyone-especially-in-india-215997-1.htm. (accessed Jul 03, 2024).
Harvard
Dr. Preethi Balasubramanian. 2024. New Vitamin D Guidelines: Why They May Not Apply to Everyone, Especially in India. Medindia, viewed Jul 03, 2024, https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/new-vitamin-d-guidelines-why-they-may-not-apply-to-everyone-especially-in-india-215997-1.htm.