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. 

  To Read more about this study,

click on the link Vitamin-D overdiagnosed in African-Americans

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Dr. Anderson

Executive Director/Founder

Sickle Cell Specialty Treatment Center

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