Diagnosis and management of vitamin D deficiency in the Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC) countries: an expert consensus summary statement from the GCC vitamin D advisory board

Arch Osteoporos. 2020 Mar 2;15(1):35. doi: 10.1007/s11657-020-0709-8.

Abstract

Objective: A summary of recommendations is given within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) setting on the assessment and management of vitamin D deficiency in the region.

Methods: An assembly of 11 regional experts gathered to formulate an all-inclusive approach to vitamin D deficiency within GCC.

Results and conclusion: Several gaps were identified before regional guidelines could be developed. These include adequacy and standardization of vitamin D testing, frequency of repeated testing and reference ranges, distinguishing prevention from the treatment of vitamin D deficiency, quality assurance of vitamin D products sold within GCC including contents and origins of products, and cut-points for vitamin D levels in local populations. A platform is created that can be further developed for overall regional implementation.

Keywords: Bone health; Osteomalacia; Osteoporosis; Vitamin D; Vitamin D status; Vitamin D supplementation.

Publication types

  • Consensus Development Conference

MeSH terms

  • Advisory Committees
  • Consensus
  • Disease Management
  • Humans
  • Indian Ocean
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Reference Values
  • Vitamin D / blood*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / diagnosis*

Substances

  • Vitamin D