Benefits of Vitamin D Supplementation
ABSTRACT
Clinical trials show that vitamin D supplementation at higher
levels than previously recommended is beneficial for many
conditions. It decreases the frequency of falls and fractures, helps
prevent cardiovascular disease, and reduces symptoms of colds or
influenza. Benefits are also seen in diabetes mellitus, multiple
sclerosis, Crohn disease, pain, depression, and possibly autism.
Sunlight does not cause an overdose of vitamin D production,
and toxicity from supplementation is rare. Dose recommendations
are increasing, but appear to be lagging the favorable trial results. A
number of common drugs deplete vitamin D levels, and others may
limit its biosynthesis from sunlight.
People with adequate levels from sun exposure will not benefit
from supplementation. While dietary intake is helpful,
supplementation is better able to raise serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D ,
the major circulating metabolite, to the level now thought adequate,
30-50 ng/mL.
Where there is inadequate daily sun exposure, oral doses of
1,000-2,000 IU/d are now considered routine, with much higher
doses (up to 50,000 IU) for rapid repletion now considered safe.
Powered by Google Docs
GRC*|*Vitamin D Research**
Al
ABSTRACT
Clinical trials show that vitamin D supplementation at higher
levels than previously recommended is beneficial for many
conditions. It decreases the frequency of falls and fractures, helps
prevent cardiovascular disease, and reduces symptoms of colds or
influenza. Benefits are also seen in diabetes mellitus, multiple
sclerosis, Crohn disease, pain, depression, and possibly autism.
Sunlight does not cause an overdose of vitamin D production,
and toxicity from supplementation is rare. Dose recommendations
are increasing, but appear to be lagging the favorable trial results. A
number of common drugs deplete vitamin D levels, and others may
limit its biosynthesis from sunlight.
People with adequate levels from sun exposure will not benefit
from supplementation. While dietary intake is helpful,
supplementation is better able to raise serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D ,
the major circulating metabolite, to the level now thought adequate,
30-50 ng/mL.
Where there is inadequate daily sun exposure, oral doses of
1,000-2,000 IU/d are now considered routine, with much higher
doses (up to 50,000 IU) for rapid repletion now considered safe.
Powered by Google Docs
GRC*|*Vitamin D Research**
Al
Comment