Vitamin D: Balancing cutaneous and systemic considerations

Background. Vitamin D insufficiency may lead to various health problems. By encouraging sun protection to prevent skin cancer, physicians may be limit ing a major source of vitamin D for man) individuals. Methods. We did a literature review on issues related to vitamin D inadequa cy particularly those relevant to various racial/ethnic groups. Results, Vitamin D is an important hormone with many physiologic roles beyo nd those related to bones, including blood pressure regulation and acting a s a tumor suppressant, The recommended amount of vitamin D has recently inc reased fur adults over age 50. Moreover, some researchers are urging higher doses for the entire population to prevent osteoporotic fractures. Conclusions, Previous studies that have found serum levels of vitamin D ill their sun-protected subjects to be in the normal range may need to be reev aluated. In concert with counseling sun protection, physicians should consi der discussing vitamin D intake, typically in the form of supplements.