Is routine Vitamin D testing necessary? Should you be taking a supplement? The 2024 Endocrine Society guidelines provide updates that may change the way you think about Vitamin D. In this episode of What’s the Proof?, we break down the latest evidence on Vitamin D supplementation, discuss who likely benefits, and clarify why routine testing is not needed for most people.

Join Dr. Bobby Scott, Dr. Dawn Caviness, and Dr. Sandy Robertson as they analyze the research, challenge outdated practices, and equip you with evidence-based insights to confidently answer patient questions.

🔎 Topics Covered:

✔️ Who should (and shouldn’t) take Vitamin D supplements

✔️ The evidence behind supplementation for children, pregnancy, older adults, and prediabetes

✔️ Why the guidelines now discourage routine Vitamin D testing

✔️ The truth about Vitamin D deficiency – do blood levels really matter?

✔️ How to determine whether a guideline is trustworthy using the G-TRUST tool

🎧 Tune in now for a deep dive into the science of Vitamin D and what it means for clinical practice!

Links from today's episode:

2024 Endocrine Society Guidelines

G-TRUST tool for evaluating the usefulness of clinical guidelines

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In this special What's the Proof? EXTRA episode, recorded in September 2024, we dive into a candid conversation about our personal fitness journeys, the challenges we’ve faced, and how our exercise habits shape the way we teach and motivate patients. These EXTRA episodes are bonus content designed to explore important topics beyond the usual evidence-focused format of our regular episodes.

As we release this episode to close out Season 2 and welcome the new year, we hope it inspires you to reflect on your own health habits. Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas to set fitness goals, maintain motivation, or help others start their journey, this episode is packed with practical insights and relatable stories.

Find us on X @theproofpodcast or email us your thoughts and questions at whatstheproofpodcast@gmail.com and join the conversation!

In this episode of "What's the Proof?" we uncover why exercise truly is the miracle treatment we've been searching for. Exercise can drastically reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, dementia, and it has significant mortality benefits. Despite its profound impact, many physicians don't emphasize it enough in their practices. Join hosts Bobby, Dawn, and Sandy as they delve into the studies revealing the incredible health benefits of exercise and discuss practical ways to incorporate it into daily routines. Whether you're a clinician looking to motivate your patients or someone seeking to improve your own health, this episode is packed with valuable insights and evidence-based advice.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Introduction:

• Welcome and episode introduction by Bobby, Dawn, and Sandy.
• Discussion on the underutilization of exercise in medical practice despite its proven benefits.

[08:04] Exercise and the Effect on Major Diseases:

• Review of a 2013 BMJ study by on the dose-response relationship between physical activity and major disease risks.
• Explanation of MET minutes and their significance in quantifying physical activity levels.
• Discussion on how even moderate levels of physical activity can substantially reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

[12:02] Cardiorespiratory Fitness (CRF) and Mortality Risk:

• Overview of a 2018 JAMA study on CRF and all-cause mortality.
• Findings showing a strong linear inverse relationship between CRF levels and mortality rates.
• The importance of maintaining high fitness levels for reducing mortality risk.
• Insights on the impact of fitness at different periods of life, including midlife and later

[17:05] Strength Training Benefits:

• Analysis of a 2022 meta-analysis on muscle-strengthening activities and health outcomes.
• Discussion on the critical role of muscle strength in longevity and overall health.
• Practical advice for incorporating muscle-strengthening activities into daily routines.

[22:17] Practical Tips and Closing Remarks:

Episode Links:

• BMJ Study on Physical Activity
• JAMA Study on Cardiorespiratory Fitness
• CRF in Early Adulthood and Midlife
• Long-Term Change in CRF and Mortality
• Midlife CRF and Cancer Outcomes
• CRF and Dementia Benefits
• Br J Sports Med Strength Meta-Analysis
• Muscle Strength & Mortality

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your colleagues, friends, and patients! Subscribe here to "What's the Proof?" on YouTube for video content, and stay updated with the latest episodes! Share your thoughts and questions with us on Twitter @theproofpodcast or email us at whatstheproofpodcast@gmail.com.

Credits:

• Hosts: Bobby Scott, MD, FAAFP, DABFM; Sandy Robertson, PharmD; Dawn Caviness, MD, BSN, DABFM
• Production & Cover Art: Bobby Scott, MD, FAAFP, DABFM
• Music: Twisterium, MondayHopes, Muzaproduction, and SergeQuadrado from Pixabay