Most UAE residents are vitamin D deficient: Can you just take supplements without a test?

Dubai: Despite the UAE's abundant sunshine, between 60 and 90 percent of residents are vitamin D deficient, according to experts. This raises the question of whether individuals can simply take a supplement without a doctor's test or medical advice. However, medical professionals advise against this approach due to several factors.

Dr. Anna Protasova, a Specialist Dermatologist at Tajmeel Clinic in Dubai, explains that the high-strength weekly capsules are meant to address a confirmed deficiency over a specific period, after which they should be discontinued. Several factors contribute to the high prevalence of deficiency, including limited outdoor exposure between 10 am and 4 pm, clothing coverage, higher melanin skin tones requiring longer exposure, sunscreen usage, indoor jobs, and a diet low in vitamin D.

Dr. Slavica Vukovic, a Specialist Internal Medicine at RAK Hospital, notes that the summer heat and temperatures above 40 degrees compel people to stay indoors, further exacerbating the issue. Additionally, traditional clothing in the region leaves minimal skin exposed, and the use of sun protection creams before going outdoors adds to the challenge.

The at-risk population includes office workers who commute by car, shift workers, teenagers glued to screens, older adults, pregnant and breastfeeding women, breastfed infants, and people with obesity or a history of bariatric surgery.

Dr. Radha Nilesh Patil, a Specialist Dermatologist at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital, emphasizes that supplements should not be taken indefinitely, as they are not considered harmless. While vitamin D is essential, supplementation should be individualized based on one's specific needs rather than assuming a high dose is suitable for everyone. This is crucial because vitamin D is liposoluble, meaning it can accumulate in fat tissue and the liver, potentially leading to hypervitaminosis and toxic effects.

The doctors warn that taking supplements indefinitely without medical review can lead to complications such as elevated blood calcium levels, causing symptoms like nausea, excessive thirst, frequent urination, constipation, confusion, and potentially kidney stones or impaired kidney function. Dr. Job Simon, a Consultant Endocrinologist at Burjeel Hospital Abu Dhabi, states that a daily dose of 800 IU is generally sufficient to maintain adequate vitamin D levels. Higher doses over a prolonged period can lead to toxicity.

Medical professionals unanimously agree that a simple blood test measuring serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels should precede any supplement regimen. This test accurately determines an individual's stored vitamin D levels. Dr. Protasova emphasizes that testing is inexpensive, and given the high prevalence of deficiency in the region, anyone in a risk group should undergo testing regardless of symptoms.

Dr. Simon adds that a daily dose of 800 IU is generally adequate, while higher doses over an extended period can result in toxicity.

If individuals have been taking supplements for years without a proper test, Dr. Protasova advises getting the blood test done, as two years of a low or moderate daily dose is unlikely to have caused harm. However, one should question whether the treatment was even necessary in the first place. Medical experts stress that while supplements can be beneficial, they should not become a lifelong regimen simply due to their perceived safety.

Individualized supplementation based on a confirmed deficiency is essential for optimal health outcomes.