From the Guidelines
Chiropractors should not monitor vitamin D levels, as this task is best performed by primary care physicians or endocrinologists who can order and interpret blood tests to provide personalized recommendations. According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2015 1, there is no evidence to support population-wide screening for vitamin D deficiency, and screening should only be performed in individuals at risk.
When it comes to monitoring vitamin D levels, it is essential to consult with a medical professional who can provide accurate and tailored advice. The Endocrine Society recommends screening for vitamin D deficiency only in persons at risk and defines vitamin D deficiency as total serum 25-(OH)D levels of less than 50 nmol/L (<20 ng/mL) 1.
Key points to consider:
- The American Academy of Family Physicians concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for vitamin D deficiency 1
- The Institute of Medicine's recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin D is 600 IU/d for adults aged 19 to 70 years and 800 IU/d for adults older than 70 years 1
- Chiropractors focus primarily on musculoskeletal health and may discuss nutrition as it relates to overall wellness, but they are not typically equipped to provide comprehensive vitamin D monitoring or management
For accurate vitamin D monitoring, it is best to consult with a primary care physician or an endocrinologist who can order blood tests to check vitamin D levels and provide specific recommendations based on the results. They can recommend vitamin D supplements, typically ranging from 600 to 2000 IU daily for adults, depending on individual needs.
From the Research
Monitoring Vitamin D Levels
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that specifically addresses whether a chiropractor (Doctor of Chiropractic) can monitor vitamin D levels 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies primarily focus on vitamin D supplementation, primary care, and patient-physician communication, but do not mention the role of chiropractors in monitoring vitamin D levels.
- Study 2 discusses the challenges primary care physicians face regarding vitamin D, while study 3 provides recommendations on vitamin D supplementation for the primary prevention of fractures.
- Studies 4, 5, and 6 are unrelated to vitamin D monitoring and focus on diabetes care, referral communication, and physician burnout, respectively.
- Therefore, there is no research evidence provided to assist in answering this question.