Vitamin D plays a role in the absorption of calcium and in maintaining healthy bones. It has recently been suggested that deficiency in vitamin D is linked to other diseases, such as colon cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Population-screening for vitamin D deficiency has also been increasing.

The authors' review of published guidelines found no evidence to support population-screening in adult primary care, only that adult patients who are at risk or show signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in primary care should be screened. Those patients deficient in vitamin D should be treated according to current guidelines.