Vitamin D insufficiency: a common and treatable problem in the Irish population.
BACKGROUND
Vitamin D insufficiency is an extremely common condition particularly in the older Irish population. This is a consequence of Ireland's geographical position and climate. A recent study showed more than 75% of a cohort of older Irish females had vitamin D insufficiency.


OBJECTIVE
We outline the definition of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency, its sources and metabolism as well as the clinical consequences of deficiency. We explore the current guidelines and discuss the pitfalls in the management of vitamin D replacement and in particular address recent Irish data on the feasibility and efficacy of intramuscular treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Vitamin D is important for calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism and reduced levels lead to osteomalacia, exacerbate osteoporosis and increase the risk of falls. Evidence is emerging that vitamin D has a role beyond musculoskeletal health and may impact on the cardiovascular and autoimmune systems, as well as the risk of malignancy.
O'Malley
G
G
Department of Medicine for the Elderly, University Hospital, Galway, Ireland. gmnimhaille@yahoo.co.uk
Mulkerrin
E
E
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D013472:Sunlight; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D014807:Vitamin D