6 benefits of vitamin D for patients

Vitamin D is a unique nutrient, as it works as both a fat-soluble vitamin and a hormone. It helps support the absorption and retention of calcium to maintain bone health. However, vitamin D may also have other functions, with research going so far as to highlight potential benefits on mental health, the immune system, and inflammation. Despite the importance of vitamin D in the body, many patients may not receive enough of this nutrient through natural sources like sunlight or their diet.

Around 40% of the United States population has a vitamin D deficiency. Therefore, as a pharmacist, there’s a high chance that you’re interacting with vitamin D-deficient patients on a daily basis. 

You might encourage your patients to take vitamin D or consult their healthcare provider for regular testing if you notice frequent complaints of fatigue, depression, or bone loss. You might also recommend vitamin D in patients at higher risk of a deficiency, including older adults or those with certain medical conditions like obesity and Crohn’s disease. Read on to learn more about vitamin D deficiency and ways you can encourage patients to take vitamin D.

The impact of vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency occurs when the body has insufficient levels of the nutrient. One of the main effects of vitamin D deficiency is on bone health. A lack of vitamin D can result in thin, brittle, or misshapen bones, increasing the risk of fractures and conditions like osteoporosis and rickets in children.

Vitamin D deficiency may also be linked to other health concerns, such as an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment in older adults, severe asthma in children, and even some types of cancer. It has also been suggested that this deficiency can affect immune function, which may, in turn, affect how the body handles infections.

6 benefits of vitamin D

Over the years, researchers have discovered numerous potential health benefits of vitamin D, such as aiding in bone health, chronic disease prevention, and immunity support. Here are 6 well-known and well-researched benefits of vitamin D.

1. Boosts bone health: Vitamin D may help in the prevention of osteoporosis and fractures, as it supports calcium absorption and healthy bone density.
2. Reduces risk of chronic diseases: Several studies have linked adequate vitamin D levels to a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, and diabetes.
3. Prevents infections: Vitamin D may play a role in preventing infections, including respiratory ones, by regulating the immune system’s response to pathogens.
4. Helps mood and mental health: Research suggests that vitamin D supplementation might help in reducing symptoms of depression and other mood disorders.
5. Improves cognitive function: Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D may help patients maintain proper brain function, as shown in a Tufts University study where researchers found that higher levels of vitamin D in the brain led to improved cognitive function. 
6. Manages autoimmune diseases: There is increasing evidence of the role of vitamin D in the development and management of autoimmune conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Although it’s clear that vitamin D is key for regulating various processes within the body, not all research results are consistent. Some studies have shown no significant benefits of vitamin D in certain contexts or for specific health outcomes. 

For example, research has shown that adults who take moderate or high-dose daily vitamin D supplements haven’t had a reduced risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular-related death compared to adults taking a placebo. Still, other research studies support the use of vitamin D supplementation, and the Office of Dietary Supplements considers vitamin D an important nutrient for overall health.

As a healthcare professional, you should stay up-to-date on accurate information to assist your patients who might struggle with vitamin D supplementation.

At-risk populations: Who might benefit the most?

Portions of the population tend to be more susceptible to vitamin D deficiency and related complications. If you know who’s at risk, you may be able to identify patients who need counseling and help them take the right steps to prevent complications.

The following groups may be more prone to vitamin D deficiency:

• Individuals with limited sun exposure: This includes older patients, those living at high latitudes, or those who typically stay indoors, as sunlight is a significant source of vitamin D.
• People with darker skin: Their natural sunblock may lead to decreased vitamin D production in the skin.
• Patients with gastrointestinal disorders: Conditions such as Crohn’s disease and celiac disease affect vitamin D absorption in the body.
• Those with kidney or liver diseases: These individuals may have impaired conversion of vitamin D to its active form.
• Individuals taking certain medications: Some drugs, like anticonvulsants, glucocorticoids, antifungals, and certain HIV/AIDS medications, can reduce vitamin D levels in the body.

You may want to keep an eye out for at-risk individuals. That way, you can provide the proper counseling and help patients maintain adequate vitamin D levels.

Pharmacist recommendations for patients

As a pharmacist, you should aim to provide patients with evidence-based recommendations. With this information at hand, you can guide patients in managing their vitamin D intake and monitoring their levels.

Pharmacists can support patients in maintaining adequate vitamin D levels by:

• Providing information on foods rich in vitamin D, such as salmon, sardines, and fortified dairy products
• Recommending appropriate vitamin D supplements based on individual needs and medical history, with support from their healthcare provider
• Advising on the recommended daily intake for different age groups and health conditions
• Monitoring patients with risk factors for low vitamin D levels
• Encouraging patients to track their consumption of vitamin D through the Nutrition Facts label to help improve their intake
• Ensuring the patient does not exceed the safe dose limits to avoid toxicity, which is 100 mcg (4,000 IU) for the average adult

Patients should also be encouraged to have their 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels monitored, especially if they are at risk for deficiency or are taking high-dose supplements. Vitamin D toxicity may be a concern for patients taking high doses. 

The bottom line: Recommend vitamin D for at-risk groups

Vitamin D is necessary for many functions throughout the body, including maintaining bone health, immune support, and muscle functioning. However, many patients are deficient in vitamin D due to various factors, such as not receiving enough sunlight exposure. As a result, pharmacists may want to encourage adequate vitamin D levels through dietary intake and supplements. 

Some food sources rich in vitamin D include fatty fish, egg yolks, and liver, as well as fortified foods like cow’s milk and cereals. When it comes to supplements, both vitamin D2 and D3 are available, with vitamin D3 being slightly more potent.

For many patients, increasing vitamin D levels is a gradual process, and periodic tests may be needed to monitor progress. By encouraging vitamin D-rich foods or supplements and spending some time outdoors in the sunlight, pharmacists can help support the vast number of patients who unknowingly live with vitamin D deficiency.