Polish and American Guidelines for Vitamin D Deficiency Prevention and Treatment for the General Population - A Literature Review

Vitamin D plays a well-known role in calcium and phosphate homeostasis. Recent findings also indicate many extraskeletal effects. Studies have shown that a vitamin D deficiency has been associated with chronic conditions in musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, neurological and immune systems. There have been multiple national and international guidelines considering the problem of vitamin D supplementation and treatment. Recommendations for vitamin D prophylaxis and treatment show variability which may result in confusion in clinical practice. The aim of this review is to compare diagnostic thresholds of scrum 25(OH)D levels and dosing strategies for prevention and treatment between selected vitamin D guidelines published in Poland, Central Europe and the United States of America. Future recommendations should integrate the results of observational studies and randomized control trials. This way they may benefit the clinicians and patients by simplifying treatment decisions and improving clinical outcomes.