Vitamin D deficiency is becoming more common. In India, nearly 1 in 3 adults are affected. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) says many regions, including South Asia, have low vitamin D levels. In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports about 25 per cent of adults may be deficient. Despite this, many people are checking their vitamin D levels and taking supplements on their own. Doctors now warn that unless there is a clear medical reason, random testing and taking supplements isn’t needed and can sometimes be harmful. 

Recently, TheLiverDoc took to X (formerly Twitter) to issue a warning: “Do not routinely and randomly check for vitamin D levels. If found incidentally low, do not routinely start taking vitamin D supplements. Yes, vitamin D supplement intake increases vitamin D levels… but it does not impact health in any clinically meaningful way in adults who randomly check and routinely consume based on an incidentally identified abnormal report. The most wasteful health intervention is checking Vitamin D randomly in apparently healthy adults and then consuming a supplement for it.”

Why random testing is unnecessary

As per research, for most healthy adults, there is little to no benefit in routinely testing vitamin D levels or taking high-dose supplements. Dr. B. A. Chaurasia, Consultant, Internal Medicine at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, explains, “Testing for vitamin D without a real reason can be unnecessary. Supplements should only be used by people who need them, like those with a confirmed deficiency, older adults, pregnant women, or people with certain health issues.”

Random supplementation can also be harmful. Excess vitamin D, especially in high doses, can increase calcium levels, damage kidneys, and lead to other serious health issues. “Dr. Chaurasia adds, “For the general population, maintaining vitamin D naturally is enough.”

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When testing makes sense

Dr. Shubham Prasad, Consultant – Gastroenterology and Hepatobiliary Sciences at Fortis Okhla, shares, “Routine vitamin D screening is not advised for healthy people. I usually recommend vitamin D tests when there are clear risk factors or clinical signs, such as osteoporosis, fragility fractures, chronic liver disease, malabsorption, chronic kidney disease, or prolonged steroid therapy. In these situations, testing has a role.”

For patients with liver disease, vitamin D deficiency is common and can affect bone health, muscle mass, and overall outcomes. “When deficiency is confirmed, I prescribe oral cholecalciferol, sometimes in higher doses or longer courses than in the general population. We also evaluate calcium intake, diet, and bone health through DEXA scans for a comprehensive, personalized approach,” Dr. Prasad explains.

A global consensus on targeted supplementation

Most liver specialists agree that healthy people don’t need routine vitamin D tests. “Patients with liver disease are different,” says Dr. Prasad. “Deficiency is common and these supplements are important for them. Vitamin D also supports the immune system. While some doctors screen more widely, the trend is to test and supplement only when necessary.”

According to the Endocrine Society’s 2024 guidelines, healthy adults don’t need vitamin D testing. The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) advises treating only confirmed deficiencies in people with liver disease. Studies show supplements help bone and muscle health in those who are deficient, but offer little benefit for healthy adults.

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Simple ways to maintain healthy vitamin D levels

For most people, natural methods are sufficient. Moderate sun exposure, a balanced diet rich in leafy greens, dairy, and fortified foods, and supplements only when clinically indicated, are all that’s needed.

Dr. Chaurasia shares, “The key message is clear, random vitamin D tests and casual supplementation rarely help and may even harm. Focus on balanced nutrition, safe sunlight, and a healthy lifestyle. That’s the most effective and evidence-based way to maintain optimal vitamin D levels.”