A new study has revealed that there is inconsistency in the diagnosis, treatment and maintenance of people with vitamin D deficiency in primary care.

The study which tracked 11,982 patients who were newly diagnosed as vitamin D deficient found that of those prescribed vitamin D in a 2-year period, 36  per cent (with ethnicity recorded) were non-white, and 70 per cent were female.

In addition, there was a broad range of dosing regimens that did not appear to align to recommendations in national guidelines. However, it was observed that in the 12 months following initiation of vitamin D therapy, regardless of dose, patients prescribed vitamin D used fewer healthcare resources than in the 12 months prior to diagnosis and treatment. 

Authors of the study estimate that continued management of vitamin D deficiency could equate to cost savings for the average CCG of £1,444,996 minus treatment costs of £334,890, resulting in net savings per CCG of £1,110,106.

Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones, teeth and muscles as it helps regulate the bodies calcium and phosphate. Normally the body makes its own Vitamin D as a result of the action of sunlight on the skin, however during autumn and winter sunlight doesn’t contain enough UVB radiation which hampers this process.

As a result the Department of Health recommends that during this time all people consider taking a vitamin D supplement. However, some people are at risk of vitamin D deficiency throughout the year, including people who:

• Aren't often outdoors – for example, those who are frail or housebound
• Live in an institution, like a care home
• Usually wear clothes that cover up most of their skin when outdoors.

The Department of Health recommends that these people take a daily supplement containing 10mcg of vitamin D throughout the year.

In addition, people with dark skin from African, African-Caribbean and south Asian backgrounds may also not get enough vitamin D from sunlight. They should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10mcg of vitamin D throughout the year.