Title : Vitamin D – when to test? and how to treat deficiency?

Although vitamin D is considered as one of the four fat-soluble vitamins, it is not technically a vitamin. It is essential for health, and only miniscule amounts are required. But unlike other vitamins it is produced in the human body, it's absent from all natural foods except fish and egg yolks, and even when it's obtained from foods, it must be transformed by the body before it can be useful. Oily fish and some cereals are good source of vitamin D. Vitamin D is a hormone that controls calcium levels in the blood. It is needed for strong bones, muscles and overall health. Sun is the main natural source of vitamin D which is absorbed through skin in limited quantities. Vitamin D deficiency is common throughout the world even in sunny countries. Many patients are asymptomatic or have nonspecific symptoms. Certain conditions increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency. Deficiency is associated with bone fractures and osteoporosis. Recent studies show vitamin D deficiency has strong association with several diseases. A simple blood test can detect deficiency. Test is advisable for patients with osteoporosis or who are at risk. UK NOS guidelines are available when to test for Vitamin D, when and how to treat deficiency. Several oral and injectable vitamin D supplements are available. Public health England recommends all High risk groups should take oral vitamin D 400 units throughout the year and all population should take a supplement in winter months.

Dr Abhaya Gupta trained in India then moved abroad after his postgraduate MD degree. He has extensive experience of managing acute medical and elderly Medicine issues at hospitals in India, Middle East and UK. He  is currently  working as Consultant Medicine and Care of Elderly since last 22 years at a teaching hospital in United Kingdom. He is a teacher and trainer for junior doctors/ nursing and multidisciplinary team members,  examiner for Cardiff Medical School . He  has specialist expertise and experience in Acute Medicine and Orthogeriatrics. He  commenced  specialist osteoporosis service at UK hospital, had first patient on Injection Romosozumab in Wales. He was a pioneer at commencing Acute Collaborative Orthogeriatrician led Acute Hip Unit since 2011 for patients with Hip Fractures- first of its kind in Wales,UK  - a unique award winning service. He is Editorial Board member of ‘Geriatric Medicine’ , reviewer of ‘Age and Ageing’ journal and member of local specialist societies. He has published widely in several peer reviewed journals, presented his research as posters at several national and International meetings and conferences. He has published a book ‘Measurement scales in Elderly Medicine’. He is member of GOSI (Geriatric Orthopaedic Society of India) and has been a speaker at several international and GOSICON and GERICON conferences.