Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Unfortunately Vitamin D deficiency tests (probably it is not covered by your insurance), high dose supplements are currently pushed so much by Doctors I started to think this is almost a scam. Most of the research about the subject are very noisy and conflicting.


If there is any reason for the test, it would be diagnostic and not preventative, and that is generally covered. Just checking cause you want to know your levels generally wouldn't be, but there are any number of symptoms that could be related to that.

As for it being a "scam" - there are enough valid studies that show what this one did, that folks who are deficient that are able to raise their levels tend to be slightly healthier.

There isn't necessarily evidence for supplementation beyond "normal" range, and I do agree that no one should just take high-dose vitamin D supplements without data (tests) that it is necessary.


If it's a scam, who's profiting? The pills are dirt cheap, generic, and over the counter.



Interesting article, thanks!


Tests are very expensive


How much are they where you are? They're 20-30 EUR on their own in Germany (doctor's office, pharmacies)


It is more than double of that, plus doctors prescribe fancy high dose vitamin D, Adds up to more than 100 euros.




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: