Vitamin D supplementation: position Statement of the Iberoamerican Society of Osteoporosis and Mineral Metabolism (SIBOMM)

Abstract

Background Vitamin D (VD) deficiency is a global pandemic that affects more than a third of the population worldwide. The population of Latin America and the Caribbean exceeds 620 million inhabitants with diverse ethnic origins and different latitudes and altitudes, which make comparisons and generalizations difficult. Aim and method We sought to establish an expert consensus regarding the recommendations for VD supplementation in Latin America by means of the Delphi methodology. Results The prophylactic dosage of VD in the general population should be individualized according to age, race, body weight, sun exposure of an individual, altitude, and dietary and exercise habits, without ruling out existing chronic diseases. Conclusion The importance of VD has been widely documented and its deficiency is a pandemic. Many individuals have difficulty meeting daily VD requirements through food and the sun. The population of Latin America and the Caribbean has diverse ethnics, cultures, in addition to living in different latitudes and altitudes. Therefore, it is important to make a position on VD supplementation, given the different characteristics, ages and serum levels of 25(OH)D.