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Does payer type -- commercial insurance or Medicare -- affect the use of low-value care?

A Dartmouth Institute study found that regions with high specialist to primary care ratios have more overuse of low-value services, and the use of these services remained relatively consistent over time. The study also highlighted a concerning 'potential for double jeopardy in health services receipt among black Americans'.

Most breastfed infants not receiving recommended vitamin D supplementation

A study found that only 55% of breastfed infants received the recommended daily vitamin D supplementation. Mothers preferred to supplement themselves, citing safety as their top concern. Higher doses of vitamin D could be incorporated into maternal supplementation routines to enrich breast milk and improve intakes in breastfed infants.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 9, 2017

Vitamin D improves gut flora and metabolic syndrome

Researchers discovered that vitamin D deficiency contributes to metabolic syndrome progression in mice by disrupting gut bacteria balance. Vitamin D supplementation improves metabolic syndrome outcomes by recovering gut bacteria balance and reducing blood sugar levels.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateDec 21, 2016

Expanding patient access to multiple health systems may compromise safety

A national cohort study found that patients using more than one health system had significantly higher rates of potentially unsafe medication prescribing compared to those using the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) only. The prevalence of such prescribing was particularly high among dual users, suggesting a need for improved coordin...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 5, 2016

ESCEO-IOF expert panel reviews current evidence for efficacy of calcium supplementation

The expert panel concludes that calcium and vitamin D supplements are generally appropriate for those with high risk of insufficiency and in individuals receiving osteoporosis treatment. The evidence favors use of calcium and vitamin D supplements for fracture reduction, particularly in those at greatest risk of insufficiency.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateNov 15, 2016

Customizing vitamin D supplements to the individual would ensure benefits are felt

A new study suggests that pregnant women respond differently to vitamin D supplementation depending on their individual attributes, such as season of delivery and weight gain during pregnancy. Tailoring supplement levels according to these factors may be necessary to achieve optimal vitamin D concentrations.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 27, 2016

Study shows low vitamin D levels are associated with increased negative and depressive symptoms in psychotic disorders

Research at the International Early Psychosis Association meeting found a significant association between low vitamin D levels and increased negative and depressive symptoms in patients with psychotic disorders. Vitamin D deficiency was also linked to cognitive impairments, including decreased processing speed and verbal fluency.

Vitamin D may not be the great solution to health problems

A recent review by University of Alberta researchers found little evidence to support the benefits of vitamin D supplementation for various health conditions. Strongest effects were seen in reducing falls and fractures among the elderly. Moderate supplementation is unlikely to cause harm but will not lead to significant health benefits.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 16, 2016

Less body fat for toddlers taking vitamin D

A study published in Pediatric Obesity found that vitamin D supplementation during the first year of life is critical for muscle-mass development and less body fat in toddlers. Children who had sufficient vitamin D stores averaged around 450 grams less body fat at 3 years of age.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPediatric Obesity·DateMay 2, 2016