Harvard Study found Vitamin-D deficiency overdiagnosed in African-Americans

   Harvard University Researcher, Dr. Thadhani and his colleagues found that African Americans had significantly lower vitamin-D levels compared with white subjects in the study.

Photo taken from http://cdns.yournewswire.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/vitd1.jpg

    Despite having lower levels of vitamin d levels, Bone density levels and calcium levels were higher in African Americans compared with white individuals.   In a previous TovaCares blog, I also discuss that persons of darker skin complexion do not absorb vitamin D as well as persons of lighter skin complexion.  This may also attribute to the variation of vitamin D levels in African-Americans.  The findings suggest that treating African Americans for vitamin D deficiency solely based on vitamin D levels (250HD and D-binding protein levels) may not be warranted. 

   TOVA Healthy Tidbit, Remember to always discuss your concerns with a licensed Healthcare Provider. This can be easily done by writing or jotting down about three pertinent questions to discuss at your next appointment.