Too much vitamin D may reduce bone density, say scientists
Vitamin D is essential for strong bones. This is universally agreed upon. We also know vitamin D is manufactured in our skin cells when exposed to as little as 10-15 minutes of the summer sun over most of the body surface.
However, for people in cold northern climes, this kind of sun is rare for six or more months of winter, leading to possible vitamin D deficiency. This means that they take supplements instead, to prevent bone weakening.
The recommended daily intake for vitamin D by Health Canada is 600 IU (International Units) up to the age of 70 years, after which it goes up to 800 IU. However, some experts disagree, suggesting that people with osteoporosis, a condition in which the bone becomes thinner, need anywhere from 400 to 2000 IU a day.
Health Canada recommendations are aimed at preventing bone disease due to vitamin D deficiency but do not provide the optimal dose. As a result, it’s unclear whether taking more of vitamin D contributes to better health, as many believe.
The current study examined the question: Can you take too much vitamin D? And if so, how much is too much?
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