AIFA UPDATE OF NOTES 79 AND 96 IN RELATION TO Vitamin D:
CONFIRMATIONS AND DOUBTS
In this issue we would like to again sum up vitamin D’s role in phosphorus and calcium metabolism and in bone health.
We are doing this by publishing a summary on the correct use of vitamin D supplementation according to the recent recommendations published by the Italian Society of Osteoporosis, Mineral Metabolism and Skeletal Diseases (SIOMMMS).
Specifically, you will find here an update on the definition of vitamin D deficiency, on the identification of individuals at risk, on whether or not serum 25(OH)D screening is advisable, and on the conditions that indicate when supplementation would be suitable and the procedures for its application that are preferable in terms of dosage and timing, all based on the most recent understanding.
You will also find guidance on how to supplement with vitamin D in cases of kidney or liver insufficiency or when there are concomitant drug treatments that interfere with vitamin D metabolism in the liver.
Finally, you will find indications on when toxic effects such as hypercalcaemia and hypercalciuria should be of concern. All of this is substantiated by appropriate bibliographic references, which you may wish to supplement with the most recent articles, which can also be found in the rich bibliographic selection included in this issue. Although the recent updates of the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) Notes 79 and 96 did acknowledge the SIOMMMS recommendations, unfortunately the agency’s acknowledgement was only partial.