Sunlight provides most humans with their vitamin D requirement. Adequate vitamin D(3) by synthesis in the skin or from dietary and supplemental sources is essential for bone health throughout life.
Vitamin D deficiency is defined as a 25(OH)D concentration <20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L); vitamin D sufficiency as a 25(OH)D >30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L), and insufficiency as 21-29 ng/mL.
Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency has been linked to a wide variety of chronic diseases including common cancers, autoimmune, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases.
Healthcare professionals need to be aware of the vitamin D deficiency pandemic.
Guidelines for sensible sun exposure and supplemental vitamin D of 800-1000 IU/day are needed.
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