Vitamin D supplementation

Question 1

what groups should be taking Vitamin D supplementation

Answer 1

• pregnant and breastfeeding
• children aged 6 months - 5 years
• adults > 65 years
• ‘people who are not exposed to much sun’ 1 e.g. housebound patients

Question 2

When is vitamin D deficiency testing necessary?

Answer 2

• bone diseases e.g. known osteomalacia or Paget’s disease
• prior to specific treatment (IV zolendronate/ denosumab) where correcting vitamin deficiency is appropriate
• patients with MSK symptoms that could be attributed to vitamin D deficiency

Question 3

Patients with osteoporosis should always be given calcium/vitamin D supplements. TRUE/FALSE?

Answer 3

TRUE