Private MD News

Vitamin D deficiencies may increase

Category: Vitamin D Deficiency-Diagnosis and Treatment

Even if a person thinks they get enough vitamin D from the sun, they may want to get a lab test in the near future.

A debate is currently underway about possibly increasing the recommended level of vitamin D a person should have, Reuters reports. Right now, having less than 11 nanograms per milliliter of vitamin D in the blood is considered deficient. Some have suggested raising the level to 20 or to 30 ng/mL.

Researchers from Weill Cornell Medical College examined what would happen if the deficiency threshold was raised to 20 ng/mL and found if the new definition was adopted, more U.S. teenagers would be found to be lacking in the necessary vitamin, according to the article.

A healthy level of the vitamin D promotes healthy bone development and plays a role in the nerve, muscle and immune system function. Studies have found deficiency of the vitamin can also lead to heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.

However, having too much of the vitamin can be harmful too and lead to skin cancer (if a person spends too much time in the sun) and kidney stones.

Lab tests for vitamin D deficiencies can help a person avoid serious health problems and assist in maintaining optimal health.