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 ().

Vitamin D Supplementation in India

The US panel advises against routine supplementation for healthy individuals. However, several factors make this inapplicable to India:

Daily Vitamin Requirement Chart
Use this simple tool to calculate your daily vitamin requirement and get to know more about its functions, sources and deficiency symptoms.

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Despite ample sunlight, 70-90% of Indians are vitamin D deficient. #vitaminddeficiency #medindia’

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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.

Calcium and Vitamin Supplements
Calcium and vitamin supplements are taken to provide the body with the ''required'' nutrients. Calcium is a mineral found in many foods. Vitamins are very important nutrients for the body.

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.

Calcium and Vitamin D Deficiency Threatens Bone Health
Women with low calcium and vitamin D levels may suffer pregnancy-associated osteoporosis, leading to bone fractures during birth or within 8-12 weeks postpartum.

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.

Nearly 76% of Indians Lack Vitamin D: Here’s How to Get It
Boost vitamin D absorption with K2 & magnesium. Timing matters! Optimize health by avoiding common mistakes.

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