Vitamin D: an underestimated key to health

Vitamin D: an underestimated key to health

Vitamin D is far more than just a simple nutrient – it is an essential factor for numerous bodily functions and plays a key role in the prevention of both minor and serious illnesses. Despite its importance, vitamin D deficiency is widespread. In this article, we look at the importance of vitamin D testing, the health effects of deficiency and the latest scientific findings, including its role in degenerative cells.

Why is it important to check vitamin D levels?

Vitamin D status is usually determined by measuring the 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in the blood. This value provides information on whether there is a deficiency, an insufficiency or an optimal level:

• Deficiency: values below 20 ng/mL
• Insufficient: Values between 21 and 29 ng/mL
• Optimal: values between 30 and 100 ng/mL

A severe deficiency can not only lead to bone diseases such as osteoporosis, but can also increase the risk of death in old age. A vitamin D deficiency is also associated with an increased risk of diabetes, autoimmune diseases and certain types of cancer.

Relevant scientific publications:

• Athanassiou et al. (2023) report on vitamin D and its influence on rheumatic autoimmune diseases.
• Thomas et al. (2012) find in the Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health (LURIC) cohort study that optimal 25(OH)D levels significantly reduce all-cause mortality and mortality from cardiovascular disease in individuals with metabolic syndrome.

Groups particularly at risk

Vitamin D deficiency is particularly common in the following population groups:

• Older people: The body’s own vitamin D production decreases with increasing age.
• People with darker skin color: Higher melanin levels reduce vitamin D synthesis through sunlight.
• People with limited sun exposure: Those who spend little time outdoors or regularly use strong sun protection risk a deficiency.
• Patients with certain chronic diseases such as osteoporosis, diabetes or autoimmune diseases.

Guideline on the use of vitamin D

The Endocrine Society published its guideline on the use of vitamin D for disease prevention in summer 2024. This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for different population groups to ensure optimal vitamin D intake.

Recommendations by age group:

• Children and adolescents (1-18 years): Empirical vitamin D supplementation is recommended to prevent rickets and possibly reduce the risk of respiratory infections. The doses used in studies varied between 300 and 2,000 IU daily, with an average of about 1,200 IU per day.

• Adults under 50 years of age: Routine vitamin D supplementation is not recommended for healthy adults under 50 years of age. The recommended daily dose of 600 IU according to the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) should be adhered to.
• Adults between 50 and 74 years of age: Routine supplementation beyond the DRI is also not recommended in this age group. The recommended daily dose is 600 IU for people between 50 and 70 years and 800 IU for people over 70 years.
• Adults aged 75 and over: Empirical vitamin D supplementation is recommended as it can potentially reduce the risk of mortality.

Pregnant women: Supplementation during pregnancy is recommended to reduce risks such as pre-eclampsia, premature birth and neonatal mortality.

People with prediabetes: In addition to lifestyle changes, vitamin D supplementation is recommended to prevent progression to diabetes.

The guideline emphasizes that for healthy adults under 75 years of age, adherence to the recommended daily dose is sufficient and routine monitoring of vitamin D levels is not required. However, for certain groups, such as children, pregnant women, older adults and people with prediabetes, a higher intake may be advisable. To ensure an optimal vitamin D supply in these cases, it is important to measure the vitamin D level.

How can vitamin D levels be checked?

While the traditional method for determining vitamin D levels requires a blood analysis in the laboratory, there are now modern alternatives that allow vitamin D levels to be determined quickly and easily. Point-of-care (POC) diagnostic systems are particularly practical, allowing vitamin D levels to be measured directly on site, in the doctor’s surgery, pharmacy or directly at the patient’s bedside in hospital. These tests provide a reliable result within a few minutes and allow vitamin D supplementation to be adjusted quickly if necessary.

Recommended products for vitamin D testing

For an uncomplicated determination of vitamin D levels, BIOMED offers an innovative and professional solution in the field of point-of-care diagnostics that can be used in doctors’ surgeries or pharmacies:

• Vitamin D Rapid Test Kit – An easy-to-use test for immediate diagnostics close to the patient
• BIOspeed – POC device for vitamin D testing

Thanks to such rapid tests, vitamin D deficiency can be detected and treated at an early stage in order to avoid long-term health risks.

Conclusion: Why regular vitamin D tests are essential

The scientific findings on vitamin D are clear: an optimal vitamin D level contributes significantly to the prevention of diseases, particularly in relation to:

• Bone health (osteoporosis, rickets)
• Immune system & infection protection
• Autoimmune diseases & diabetes
• Cancer prevention & protection against malignant cells

As vitamin D can only be absorbed to a limited extent through sunlight and diet, regular monitoring of vitamin D status is crucial. Modern test procedures such as the BIOMED POC vitamin D test enable a quick and convenient check to take targeted measures to optimize vitamin D levels.

A vitamin D test is not just an option – it is an investment in long-term health. Offer vitamin D testing at your doctor’s office and pharmacy and contact us today to schedule a trial!