USPSTF Updates Vitamin D Screening Recommendations

The USPSTF has reaffirmed that there is not significant evidence to support screening for vitamin D deficiency in asymptomatic adults, according to a new statement.

“Vitamin D requirements may vary by individual; thus, no one serum vitamin D level cutpoint defines deficiency, and no consensus exists regarding the precise serum levels of vitamin D that represent optimal health or sufficiency,” they wrote.

In order to update its 2014 recommendations, the USPSTF commissioned a systematic review of available evidence for the screening for vitamin D deficiency. Their review specifically focused on asymptomatic, non-pregnant adults.

Overall, they found insufficient evidence to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening in this population, echoing their 2014 guidance.

—Michael Potts

Reference:

US preventive Services Task Force. Screening for vitamin D deficiency in adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2021;325(14):1436-1442. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.3069