This American Family Physician review, published on 1 October 2026, brings together trials of vitamin D in adults living in the community.
Its summary is clear. There is no evidence to support screening the general population. Trials of supplementation, including in people with low baseline levels, have not reduced deaths or cardiovascular disease, and have not consistently reduced falls, fractures, cancer, dementia, respiratory infections or depression, or improved fatigue, hair loss or chronic pain. The recommended intake is 600 IU a day up to age 70 and 800 IU above it, from diet, supplements or both, which keeps levels adequate in almost everyone. The possible exception is prediabetes, where at least three years of higher-dose supplementation may reduce progression to diabetes.
Vitamin D testing is widely used, in India as elsewhere, and a low result often leads to high-dose courses with no proven benefit.
This does not apply to people with osteomalacia, malabsorption, chronic kidney disease or those on drugs that affect vitamin D metabolism, where testing and treatment have a clear role.
- Stop ordering vitamin D levels in well adults without a specific indication
- Advise 600 IU daily up to age 70 and 800 IU above it, from diet or a supplement
- Do not prescribe high-dose vitamin D for fatigue, hair loss or vague pain
- Keep testing for osteomalacia, malabsorption, chronic kidney disease and bone disease
- Discuss supplementation in prediabetes as a possible but modest benefit
Why it matters
It removes one of primary care's most common low-value tests and the high-dose courses that follow it.
Don't overread it
This is a review, and it does not cover people with bone disease, malabsorption or kidney disease.
Read the rest in the app
You have read your two free briefings this month. The app carries all 27 specialties, every morning, free — and this finding is waiting in it.
Scan to keep reading on your phone. No account needed to start.
Tomorrow morning, before your first patient
One edition a day for family medicine, written by the desk, every claim tied to its paper. Six minutes.
Get the app — free