A Systematic Review Supporting the Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines on Vitamin D

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Public Health
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Low vitamin D status is prevalent and linked to numerous health conditions.
• Vitamin D plays a crucial role in overall health and disease prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To inform the Endocrine Society's Clinical Practice Guideline on Vitamin D.
• To systematically review evidence on vitamin D's benefits and harms for disease prevention.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of 151 studies from 37,007 citations.
• Focused on 14 clinical questions regarding vitamin D's effects across age groups and conditions.
• Utilized the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Main Results:

• Vitamin D may reduce respiratory infections in children and slow diabetes progression in prediabetics.
• Limited benefits observed in healthy adults; potential mortality reduction in adults over 75.
• High-dose intermittent vitamin D might increase fall risk compared to daily low doses.

Conclusions:

• Evidence supports vitamin D's role in specific disease prevention strategies.
• Clinical recommendations require consideration of patient values and contextual factors.
• Further research is needed on vitamin D screening efficacy.