▲The doctor pointed out that daily intake of vitamin D can be adjusted through adequate sunlight and diet. (Schematic diagram / Photo by reporter Yan Yuncen)
Picture, text / tide health
The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) published a new study in July this year, claiming that the intake of vitamin D supplements by middle-aged and elderly people does not substantially help osteoporosis and promote bone health. Dr. Chen Yubin, director of the Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia Care Center of Wanfang Hospital, said in an exclusive interview with Tide Health that the general public can get enough vitamin D through sun exposure and diet, but the “six major groups” should pay attention to the problem of vitamin D insufficiency.
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Does vitamin D need extra supplementation?Doctors call for more sun exposure and better diet
Dr. Chen Yubin said that modern science has found that vitamin D is a “steroid” hormone, which is commonly found in human cells such as blood vessel cells and brain cells, and has important functions such as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation; and vitamin D in the intestines. It helps the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which is related to bone health.
Research on vitamin D has also become one of the most prominent studies in the medical field in recent years. Many literatures point out that vitamin D can promote immunity, strengthen bones, fight cancer, treat diabetes, and even prevent new coronaviruses. The general public is flocking to vitamin D supplements.
Dr. Chen Yubin explained that moderate vitamin D supplementation is indeed beneficial in clinical practice, and the effect is not even inferior to osteoporosis drugs. However, the consensus of academic groups, such as the World Society of Osteoporosis and the Society of Osteoporosis of the Republic of China, advocates that “enough supplementation is good” for vitamin D; and there is still no consensus in the academic community on the recommended dose of vitamin D for adults, so additional intake of supplements, may not achieve the expected results.
Dr. Chen Yubin suggested that if you are in good health and want to improve your protection, you can usually get more exposure to sunlight, or eat more deep-sea fish (such as salmon, mackerel), fresh milk, and sun-exposed foods such as dried mushrooms, etc. Both help the body obtain vitamin D. As for the many medical effects of vitamin D claimed on the Internet, it should be noted that it is exaggerated, and do not believe it without proof.
Which ethnic groups are prone to vitamin D deficiency? “6 types of people” need to supplement 800IU a day
Who is at risk for vitamin D deficiency and most likely to need additional intake? Dr. Chen Yubin pointed out that,Those who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, postmenopausal women, the elderly (women over 65 years old, men over 70 years old), have a history of osteoporosis fractures (spine, hip, wrist, etc.), taking steroid drugs and liver and kidney disease, Moderate intake of vitamin D supplements, and the principle of daily international standard 800IU units. If the blood test shows that the vitamin concentration is too low, the dose should be adjusted as appropriate.
Dr. Chen Yubin explained that among various fracture risks, “hip fracture” is the most serious type of osteoporotic fracture. Not only is the prognosis poor, but the annual mortality rate is as high as 15% to 16%. Statistics show that these patients with osteoporosis and fractures often have a vitamin D concentration of only 11 to 12 ng/mL (standard value is 30 ng/mL), and more than 65% of the patients are seriously deficient in vitamin D.
Dr. Chen Yubin reminded that if there has been a hip fracture, menopausal women or the elderly, the daily intake of vitamin D and calcium should reach 800IU and 1,000-1,200 mg respectively. Overall, if you are at high risk for osteoporosis, taking extra vitamin D can help.
Are Chinese people generally substandard for vitamin D?Too low a concentration may cause the disease
Physician Chen Yubin said that from the inter-office osteoporosis screening report of Wanfang Hospital, the vitamin D test concentration of most patients with osteoporosis is only regarding 20-30 ng/mL, which shows that most people do not meet the recommended standard value of vitamin D. However, the research report also pointed out that even in Singapore, where the environment has long sunshine hours, more than half of the elderly are vitamin D deficient.
Dr. Chen Yubin explained that vitamin D can be said to be “deficient in everyone”, but whether lack of vitamin D will directly lead to low immunity or even affect bone health, there is no strong causal relationship from research. At present, it can only be confirmed that vitamin D deficiency can cause “osteomalacia”, and blood testing is also required to confirm the diagnosis. Remind the general population to get more sun exposure, improve dietary habits, and avoid excessive worry regarding vitamin D deficiency. If Chinese people are concerned regarding their bone mineral density or vitamin D deficiency, they can go to the orthopaedic clinic to seek professional medical examination.
This article is authorized to reprint from: Chao Health “Is taking vitamin D a waste of money?Doctors reveal the real effect of vitamin D: 6 groups of people who need daily supplementation》
Further reading:
Experts call for “5 major measures” to be taken early to maintain bone health
