An independent expert group that advises the government on evidence-based medicine says theres not enough evidence to recommend routine vitamin D screening for healthy people. Scientists for the US Preventive Services Task Force reviewed 17 studies of treating vitamin D deficiency in people without clinical symptoms. In recommendations published in Annals of Internal Medicine, the experts concluded that the association between vitamin D status and health outcomes is unclear, and the threshold for determining deficiency has not been firmly established.
The recommendation does not apply to patients with conditions such as bone, autoimmune and endocrine disorders. The experts also noted that some people may be at greater risk of vitamin D deficiency, including those with limited sun exposure or darker skin, the obese and those with low intake or diminished absorption.