BACKGROUND: Vitamin D is essential for the normal functioning of a diverse range of metabolic processes, especially bone health. It is widely appreciated that the elderly are at increased risk of vitamin D insufficiency, but it is less well known that people with intellectual disability are also at increased risk. OBJECTIVE: This article summarises the issues regarding vitamin D in people with intellectual disability, making recommendations about screening, management and follow up. DISCUSSION: The prevalence of intellectual disability in the Australian population has been estimated at just over 1%, implying that most general practitioners will care for several people with intellectual disability. Relatively simple steps are likely to have a significant impact on the health of this vulnerable group of people.
BACKGROUND:Vitamin D is essential for the normal functioning of a diverse range of metabolic processes, especially bone health. It is widely appreciated that the elderly are at increased risk of vitamin Dinsufficiency, but it is less well known that people with intellectual disability are also at increased risk. OBJECTIVE: This article summarises the issues regarding vitamin D in people with intellectual disability, making recommendations about screening, management and follow up. DISCUSSION: The prevalence of intellectual disability in the Australian population has been estimated at just over 1%, implying that most general practitioners will care for several people with intellectual disability. Relatively simple steps are likely to have a significant impact on the health of this vulnerable group of people.
Authors: William B Grant; Sunil J Wimalawansa; Michael F Holick; John J Cannell; Pawel Pludowski; Joan M Lappe; Mary Pittaway; Philip May Journal: Nutrients Date: 2015-02-27 Impact factor: 5.717