High doses of vitamin D are now found to not improve the strength of bones in postmenopausal women, according to new research.
A recent study published in JAMA shows that although low levels of vitamin D in the body are associated with a greater risk of developing osteoporosis, high supplemental doses of the vitamin do not increase bone or muscle strength.
Dr. Karen Hansen, lead author on the study, tested 230 postmenopausal women under the age of 75 who were low in vitamin D. Women were not included in the study if they had any other risk factors that would promote bone issues.
The women were separated into three groups and given different doses of vitamin D, also known as cholecalciferol. The placebo group received no amount of vitamin D, the low-dose group received 800 IUs daily, and the high-dose group received 50,000 IUs twice per month.
Though the high-dose of vitamin D did succeed in raising levels, bone density or muscle strength were not improved. A sit-and stand test, which assesses risk for falls, was also performed, and this did not improve either.
“While high-dose vitamin D did indeed increase calcium absorption, the increase was only 1 percent and [it] did not translate into gains in spine, hip or total body bone mineral density.”
#VitaminD no better than placebo for bone/muscle outcomes in postmenopausal women with VitD levels < 30 ng/mL http://t.co/nUIKBhCP2h
— JAMA (@JAMA_current) August 4, 2015
Vitamin D has been debated in regards to what amount – 20, 25, or 30 nanograms per milliliter – should be considered the baseline. Supplementation disagreements have also set limitations on setting an exact recommendation for vitamin D.
Dr. Deborah Grady, a professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, wrote an editor’s note that was published in the same journal regarding the matter.
“It is possible that treatment beyond 1 year would result in better outcomes, but these data provide no support for use of higher-dose cholecalciferol replacement therapy or indeed any dose of cholecalciferol compared with placebo.”
Vitamin D and calcium function together. Vitamin D helps the body absorb and use more of the mineral in order to strengthen bones and improve muscle function. However, how much vitamin D that is actually absorbed by the body is more important than the amount of vitamin D taken. According to the National Institute of Health, too much vitamin D could increase the risk of kidney damage and digestive issues. These complications, however, are rare.
Vitamin D is also known as the “sunshine vitamin” because it is most easily produced in the body through skin contact with the UV of the sun. In spite of this, experts still warn against extra UV contact through sun or tanning beds as it increases the risk of skin cancer.
According to Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, vitamin D can be found in a variety of foods. Fatty fish, such as salmon and tuna, are the best sources. Vitamin D can be found in smaller doses in foods such as beef liver, cheese, and egg yolk.
[Image via Pixabay]
Vitamin D Supplements Do Not Strengthen Bones In Older Women is an article from: The Inquisitr News
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