Guidelines to achieve optimal vitamin D requirements in the different groups of the population

Abstract

The current review considers the key aspects of the expert examination made by the Polish scientists and specialists on application of vitamin D supplements in the different groups of the population including those with the developed deficiency of vitamin D. Based on the global database collected in this matter the importance of using vitamin D deficiency marker as the diagnostic criteria for the evaluation of vitamin D status is supported and for this determination of calcidiol (25(OH)D) in blood plasma or serum is recommended considering that the levels in the range of 30–50 ng/ml are belonged to the physiological optimum. The upper limits of vitamin D consumption in the population are determined as follows: 1000 IU/ day for neonates and infants, 2000 IU/day for children (1–10 years) and 4000 IU/day for adolescents (11–18 years) and adults (above 18 years old). The special attention is drawn to the need of assessing the vitamin D status in the population of young people aged 11–18 and in elderly people over the age of 75, as well as in preterm neonates and pregnant women. In regard of the last group mentioned, vitamin D is ascertained to be safe when consumed in the amount of 4000–6000 IU/day. In addition, the calcemic and non-calcemic actions of vitamin D must be considered and special attention is to be primarily paid for immune modulating and anti-inflammatory activities of vitamin D. Finally, the risks of vitamin D hypersensitivity should be avoided and therefore an individual approach is required when vitamin D is used for prevention and treatment of its insufficiency.