Diagnosis and management of vitamin D deficiency in the Gulf Cooperative Council (GCC) countries: an expert consensus summary statement from the GCC vitamin D advisory board.

OBJECTIVE: A summary of recommendations is given within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) setting on the assessment and management of vitamin D deficiency in the region. METHODS: An assembly of 11 regional experts gathered to formulate an all-inclusive approach to vitamin D deficiency within GCC. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Several gaps were identified before regional guidelines could be developed. These include adequacy and standardization of vitamin D testing, frequency of repeated testing and reference ranges, distinguishing prevention from the treatment of vitamin D deficiency, quality assurance of vitamin D products sold within GCC including contents and origins of products, and cut-points for vitamin D levels in local populations. A platform is created that can be further developed for overall regional implementation.