Testing for vitamin D levels once was uncommon. But as more and more studies raise awareness about vitamin D deficiencies, testing for the vital vitamin is skyrocketing.
Tests ordered for vitamin D grew by about 80 percent between May 2007 and May 2008, according to Richard Reitz, a medical director with Quest Diagnostics of Madison, N.J., one of the country's largest diagnostic labs. Another top lab -- Burlington, N.C.-based Lab Corporation of America -- saw a 90 percent leap in D test requests between 2007 and 2008, says Eric Lindblom, a company executive. Neither firm would release the actual numbers.
The testing hoopla is due to emerging research that links vitamin D deficiency with some infectious diseases, cancers, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disorders, says Patsy Brannon, professor of nutritional sciences at Cornell University.
Other research indicates that many Americans are deficient in vitamin D, says Catherine Gordon, director of the bone health program at Children's Hospital Boston.
Supplements and D-rich foods, such as fortified milk, may be recommended for patients with low D levels, Gordon says. Sunshine's UV rays also activate one form of vitamin D in the body.
The Institute of Medicine recommends 200 IUs a day for children and 400 IUs daily for adults, though some experts recommend more.
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