The myth that vitamin D makes your bones strong is unquestionably a healthy common sense. Is it true?
A study funded by the US government found that taking vitamin D supplements did not reduce the risk of fractures in healthy middle-aged and older adults. The results were published by researchers at Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and others.
According to the New York Times, the researchers divided regarding 25,000 American men and women (ages 50-55) into two groups and gave one vitamin D and the other a placebo. As a result, even if they took 2000 IU (International Unit) of vitamin D daily, there was no significant difference in the risk of fractures in the hip, wrist, and pelvis compared to those who took the placebo.
“Nutrition manufacturers should not recommend vitamin D to the public, and the public should not take vitamin D as a way to prevent disease or prolong life,” the researchers said.
Similar results have been found in other studies published in the past. Vitamin D supplementation did not prevent cancer or cardiovascular disease. There was no significant effect on cognitive function improvement, atrial fibrillation reduction, and prevention of macular degeneration.
“In general, very few people are deficient in vitamin D,” said Stephen Cummings, PhD, of the Pacific Medical Center Institute in California, who participated in the study. Dr. Clifford Rosen of the same institute said, “I can’t believe that you need to consume more than 600 IU of vitamin D.
However, the researchers acknowledged exceptions. People with celiac disease (chronic digestive disorder) or Crohn’s disease (inflammatory bowel disease) should take vitamin D as a supplement. The same is true if you’re in an environment that doesn’t get enough sunlight or if you don’t get enough vitamin D from your diet.
Despite the results of this study, the objections of clinicians are still there. Professor Sundiff Kosla of the Mayo Clinic said, “I would recommend 600 to 800 IU of vitamin D intake for osteoporosis patients because vitamin D intake is not harmful.”
The study (Supplemental Vitamin D and Incident Fractures in Midlife and Older Adults) was published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).
Reporter Lee Yong-jae youngchaeyi@kormedi.com
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