Vitamin D status and clinical implications in the adult population of Malaysia: A position paper by the Malaysian Vitamin D Special Interest Group
Publication Details
Lee, J.,
Chee, W.,
Foo, S.,
Lee, V.,
Sallehuddin, H.,
Khor, H.,
Arasu, K.,
Mohamad, M.,
Ahmad, A.,
Puvaneswaran, S.,
Koh, K.,
Hoo, F.,
Tan, G.,
&
Mitchell, P.
(2023).
Vitamin D status and clinical implications in the adult population of Malaysia: A position paper by the Malaysian Vitamin D Special Interest Group.
Osteoporosis International, Early View (Online First).
Abstract
Purpose: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency is common among populations globally, and in Asia and Malaysia. The purpose of this Position Paper is to propose recommendations for both clinicians and non-clinicians to promote vitamin D sufficiency in Malaysian adults. Formation of a national multisector, multidisciplinary alliance is also proposed to progress initiatives relating to safe sun exposure, adequate vitamin D intake through food fortification, and vitamin D supplementation for high-risk groups.
Methods: Literature reviews were undertaken to inform summaries of the following: vitamin D status globally and in Asian and Malaysian populations, vitamin D status among individuals with common medical conditions, and current recommendations to achieve vitamin D sufficiency through sun exposure, food intake and supplementation. Recommendations were based on the findings of the literature reviews, recent European guidance on vitamin D supplementation, the 2018 road map for action on vitamin D in low- and middle-income countries, and research recommendations proposed by the Malaysian Ministry of Health in 2017.
Results: Recommendations on assessment of vitamin D in the adult Malaysian population include using serum or plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration as a biomarker, widespread participation by Malaysian laboratories in the Vitamin D Standardization Program, adoption of the US Endocrine Society definitions of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency, and development of a comprehensive nationwide vitamin D status study. Specific high-risk groups are identified for vitamin D assessment and recommendations relating to loading doses and ongoing management are also made.
Conclusion: This Position Paper provides individual clinicians and national stakeholder organisations with clear recommendations to achieve vitamin D sufficiency in the adult population of Malaysia.
Keywords
Deficiency; Diet; Malaysia; Sun exposure; Supplementation; Vitamin D.
Link to Publisher Version (URL)
