No Consensus on Optimal Vitamin D Dose

by Rajashri on  September 20, 2009 at 1:29 PM Lifestyle News
  •   Print
  •   Share
  •   Comments
  •  Text 
The new issue of the Mayo Clinic Health Letter says that while vitamin D is known to offer many benefits, there is no consensus on what level of the nutrient is optimal for good health.

The report points out that recent findings suggest that vitamin D offers many benefits, especially for older adults, such as improved balance, reduction in the risk of bone fractures, and better thinking skills such as planning, organizing and abstract thinking.

It further states that low levels of vitamin D are associated with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune disorders, infections such as tuberculosis, and periodontal disease.

Low vitamin D levels may also lead to certain cancers, including colon, breast and prostate cancers.

Vitamin D is the only vitamin that the body can manufacture itself, and sunshine is the only requirement for the purpose.

About 10 to 15 minutes of exposure two to three times a week during non-peak sun hours is considered adequate, but the sunshine approach doesn't work for everyone.

With age, the body is less efficient at processing vitamin D. ther barriers are darker skin and living in northern climates. The use of sunscreen, recommended to prevent skin cancer, also reduces absorption of ultraviolet B rays.

Even though vitamins can be obtained from food sources, choices are limited for vitamin D.

Rich sources are fatty fish, fish-liver oils, liver and egg yolks. Milk fortified with vitamin D is another option.

With limited food choices, consumers may opt to rely on vitamin D supplements.

The current daily recommended dose of vitamin D for adults is 50, and older is 400 to 600 international units (IU).

However, many researchers believe that a higher amount is warranted because of the many health benefits.

The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends a daily intake of 800 to 1,000 IU per day for adults over age 50, and the upper daily limit considered safe for use is 2,000 IU per day.

However, there is debate about this level, with some scientists suggesting that very large doses of vitamin D taken over time can cause ill effects, including nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, constipation, weakness and weight loss.

Source-ANI
RAS

 Email Email   RSS Feeds RSS Feeds   Print this page Print   Save this page Save   Link Link   Syndicate Syndicate   Comments Comments   Bookmark and Share
 
Comment & Contribute
Comments should be on the topic and should not be abusive. Comments are normally moderated and are reviewed after they are posted.
* Your comment can be maximum of 2500 characters

Notify me when reply is posted
I agree to the terms and conditions
  
If you have a question about health related issues, you can now post it in our Ask An Expert section on our community website Medwonders.com and get answers from our panel of experts.

09/20/2009

The newsletter is wrong. You cannot make vitamin d in/on the skin unless the sun is at or near its peak. Vitamin d formation requires hard UVB which is absorbed by the atmosphere.



09/20/2009

Large doses (>40,000IU) of vitamin d over a long period of time (months) will cause problems. 10,000IU is accepted in the medical literature as perfectly safe. Most people need a supplement of at least 5,000IU a day to get into the lower end of the optimum range.


guest

01/25/2010

so what will 50,000 1 x week for three months do to me ?




X
  • Health News Index
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
News Archive
Date :
Category :
Keyword :
  • News Quick Links
News Central Health Watch
Latest Health News Health In Focus
News Category (500+) Breaking Health News
Popular News Celebrating Life
Health News and Press Release Medindia - Exclusive
News Photo Gallery India Special
News Video Gallery Lifestyle and Wellness
News From Other Resources
News Categories:  
Kidney Health Center

Lifestyle Related News

» Mystery of 'Disappearing' Tweets Solved » 'Slut Walks' Attract Thousands in Brazil
» Enthusiasm for Tattoos High Among Women » Individuals' Brains 'Tick Together' If They Have Strong Emotions
» Keeping Emotions in Check and Being Resilient Helps to Remain Satisfied With Life » Moral Sense Depends on Type of Activity Being Done at Particular Time
» 'No Scanty Garbs' Campaign UAE Women » Asian Casinos Combat Crooks
Read More >>