New guidelines released for vitamin D testing and supplementation
In the journals
- Reviewed by Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
For the first time since 2011, the Endocrine Society has issued updated guidelines for vitamin D testing and supplementation. The report, published in the August 2024 issue of The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, outlines recommendations for doctors to share with their patients. The guidelines were based on multiple studies that involved people who received vitamin D naturally through routine sun exposure but also from dietary sources and supplements. Here are some of the highlights:
- In the general population, adults ages 19 and older don't require routine testing of vitamin D levels. However, they should follow the U.S. National Academy of Medicine's Recommended Dietary Allowance for vitamin D intake — 600 international units (IU) daily until age 70, and 800 IU for people older than age 70.
- Supplementation in older adults can be accomplished through vitamin D–fortified foods (such as some breakfast cereals, orange juice, and yogurt) and vitamin D supplements. Taking a daily supplement of 1,000 IU is acceptable.
- Supplementation is recommended for adults at high risk for prediabetes. This is based on analyses suggesting that supplementation might slow the progression to diabetes.
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About the Author
Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
About the Reviewer
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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