Vitamin D deficiency

There continues to be numerous association studies supporting the concept that vitamin D has a wide range of health benefits not related to calcium metabolism and bone health. These health benefits include reducing risk for autoimmune disorders, neurocognitive dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, some deadly cancers, and infectious diseases.

Patients should be aware of the importance of taking lifelong maintenance doses of vitamin D to prevent recurrence. Vitamin D supplementation should be continued throughout the year, even during the summer months. They should also be informed that sensible sun exposure (always avoiding sun burning) can also provide a source of vitamin D without significantly increasing risks of skin damage and skin cancer. Usually, for a fair skinned adult living at 42° North latitude, exposure of the arms and legs (with sun protection on the face) for about 5 to 30 minutes (depends on degree of skin pigmentation, time of day, season, latitude, and age of patient) between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. twice a week is sufficient. Parents are advised to give vitamin D supplements to all infants, especially those who are exclusively breast-fed, and are encouraged to feed older children a diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D content.