High prevalence of undetected vitamin D deficiency in an urban minority primary care practice.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among patients in an inner-city practice with a large African American population, and to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin D replacement as part of routine care.

Methods: A chart review was undertaken to identify patients aged 18 years and more with at least one 25-hydroxyvitamin D level. When patients were found to be deficient (vitamin D < 20) they were placed on 50000 units ergocalciferol monthly or over-the-counter calcium supplements with vitamin D.