Not enough vitamin D coverage

Congratulations to Dr Schwalfenberg for such a comprehensive overview1 of the astounding role that vitamin D plays in preventing such a range of diseases—from cancer and autoimmune disease to chronic pain and cardiovascular disease. These are basically the modern epidemics of our time, and if large, double-blinded trials confirm even one-tenth of the benefits suggested by current research, it will truly be a modern panacea—the biggest news since antibiotics.

I was somewhat surprised that this would not have been boldly emblazoned on the cover of Canadian Family Physician. I have also been surprised that there is not more news coverage of this potentially monumental leap of medical progress. If vitamin D were a prescription drug, it might not have slipped so quickly out of front-page news. There is a large gap between research and practice that must be filled by our profession’s continuing education process and our public health system. These systems will be put to the test by this discovery. If doctors do not rapidly begin screening for and treating vitamin D deficiency, if this message is not broadcast over the airwaves until people are tired of hearing it, then our health care system will have done Canadians a grave disservice.

Many of the studies referred to in Dr Schwalfenberg’s article have also been reviewed in the New England Journal of Medicine; those interested should get a copy of that excellent article.2

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