Research Article

Prescribing patterns of vitamin D and analogues in a private healthcare patient population in South Africa

Published in: South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Volume 35 , issue 1 , 2022 , pages: 1–7

DOI: 10.1080/16070658.2020.1757878

Author(s): Angela Ann Morris-Paxton , South Africa , Ilse Truter , South Africa

Keywords: prescribing patterns , vitamin D , vitamin D analogues , vitamin supplementation

Abstract

Introduction: Numerous studies show the benefits of vitamin D: in the prevention of bone disease, supporting the immune system and the prevention and mitigation of cancer. Until recently, supplementation has been deemed unnecessary. Nonetheless, in the light of emerging evidence, some practitioners are adding vitamin D and its analogues (Anatomic Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification code A11CC) to their prescriptions. Therefore, the aim was to determine the medical insurance prescribing patterns of vitamin D in South Africa.

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