Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin 2006;44:25-29; doi:10.1136/dtb.2006.44425
Copyright © 2006 by the BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.

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Primary vitamin D deficiency in adults

Relevant BNF section: 9.6

In adults, prolonged deficiency of vitamin D (calciferol) can lead to osteomalacia, while lesser deficiency (insufficiency) is associated with various non-specific symptoms.¹ Both vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are becoming more common in developed countries.¹ In the UK, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in all adults is around 14.5%,² and may be more than 30% in those over 65 years old^3,4 and as high as 94% in otherwise healthy south Asian adults.^5,6 By comparison, the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in adults may be as high as 55%,² and the condition is even more common in patients with osteoporotic fractures.^7,8 Recently, we discussed the management of children with primary vitamin D deficiency.¹ Here we review the management of adults with the condition.

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