Clinical evidence shows that screening for Vitamin D deficiency in healthy individuals is generally not necessary. Vitamin D deficiency is common in many populations, particularly in patients at higher latitudes, during winter months and in those with limited sun exposure. Therefore, Canadians have inadequate exposure to sunlight, which puts them at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Over the counter vitamin D supplements and increased summer sun exposure are sufficient interventions for most otherwise healthy patients. Laboratory testing is appropriate in higher risk patients when results will be used to institute more aggressive therapy (e.g., osteoporosis, chronic kidney disease, malabsorption, some infections, obese individuals).
Sources:
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Government of British Columbia. Vitamin D testing. [Internet] 2021 June 3 [cited Oct 2025].
Kahwati LC, et al. Screening for vitamin D deficiency in adults: Updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force. JAMA. 2021;325(14):1443-63. PMID: 33847712.
McChesney C, et al. Do not routinely test for vitamin D. BMJ. 2022;378: e070270. PMID: 35850784.
Rodd C, et al. Increased rates of 25-hydroxy vitamin D testing: Dissecting a modern epidemic. Clinical Biochemistry. 2018;59:56-61. PMID: 30026017.
Singer A, et al. Reduce unnecessary routine vitamin D testing. Canadian Family Physician. 2023;69(9):620-622. PMID: 37704241.