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Vitamin D Status and Test Utilization: A Five-Year Analysis
Salima Al Maqbali1, Hoor Al Maharbi2, Shatha Al Handhali2
1Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Sohar Hospital, Sohar, OMN.
Cureus
|May 8, 2026
Summary
Vitamin D testing is increasing, but significant deficiency is uncommon, suggesting overutilization. Targeted testing strategies are needed to improve clinical value and resource use.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Clinical Chemistry
- Public Health
Background:
- Vitamin D testing has increased significantly, often exceeding evidence-based guidelines.
- Concerns exist regarding test overutilization and misalignment with clinical indications.
- This study evaluated vitamin D status, testing indications, and comorbidities in Oman.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess vitamin D status and testing patterns in North Batinah, Oman.
- To evaluate the clinical utility and indications for vitamin D testing.
- To identify comorbidities associated with vitamin D levels.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cross-sectional study of 3,081 patients from January 2018 to November 2022.
- Analysis of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels, demographic data, clinical indications, and comorbidities.
- Classification of vitamin D status: deficient (<30 nmol/L), insufficient (30-50 nmol/L), sufficient (>50 nmol/L).
Main Results:
- High vitamin D sufficiency overall, but insufficiency prevalent in younger adults and women.
- Pediatric deficiency was uncommon; adolescents showed increased insufficiency.
- A significant proportion of tests lacked guideline-supported clinical indications.
- Anemia, hypertension, and hypothyroidism were common comorbidities with low vitamin D.
Conclusions:
- Clinically significant vitamin D deficiency is relatively uncommon despite increased testing, indicating potential overutilization.
- There is a need for targeted, indication-based vitamin D testing strategies.
- Strengthened laboratory stewardship can optimize healthcare resource utilization.
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