why do doctors order more vitamin d tests than anything?

RNMLIS · Mar 15, 2010

The elderly population especially in LTC are especially at risk and probably never checked. I know none of the residents in the facility I worked in were checked.

RNMLIS · Mar 15, 2010

For years,I used to'live' outdoors every weekend. Since my injury and surgery I have not been gotten sufficient sunlight. I don't drink milk. My CA has some D.

About 6 months ago I asked my DO to check my D levels. I had low levels of D and received a supplement for 2 months.

I have been exceedingly tierd recently and have been attributing this to depression. This topic is timely. I will call the Doc asap.

I want my 'outdoor' life back..

creativemom, BSN, RN · Mar 15, 2010

Our doctors at a main hospital regularly request vitamin D tests. I am not sure of why.

I know in my own health I was found to have very poor vitamin D after my own doc ordered a test. For three months I've had to take 50,000 units of D (1 tab per week). I will tell you that it made a difference in my life and now take prescriptive D.

morte, LPN, LVN · Mar 15, 2010

Our doctors at a main hospital regularly request vitamin D tests. I am not sure of why.
I know in my own health I was found to have very poor vitamin D after my own doc ordered a test. For three months I've had to take 50,000 units of D (1 tab per week). I will tell you that it made a difference in my life and now take prescriptive D.

if you are getting D through prescription, you are getting D2 (in all likelyhood) ?the little emerald green caps?

unless you are getting it paid for this way, you would be better off going to the health food store an getting D3.

good luck

hotflashion, BSN, RN · Mar 15, 2010

A couple more reasons:

- Post-menopausal women need to get enough calcium to forestall osteoporosis and for absorption of calcium they need D.

- Also older skin is less effective at producing D and the population is aging.

nursedora · Mar 15, 2010

My guesse would be that in nursing homes, the residents aren't taken outside to get the fresh air and sunshine as they should be, so to monitor if deficient or not, or to see if the suppliments are working. In hospital or critical care settings, with all the business about fat free, and such, most of the vitamins are depleted, in addition people don't go outside like they used to, kids play inside on the computer more, adults are working more, and more night shift jobs, so are sleeping during the day. ?And may be a possibility that due to rise in smog and other polutants, we aren't getting enough from the sun even if we do get outside enough.