Abstract

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 old3^,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.