“Mobili-D” – Getting The Right Dose of Vitamin D?

July 16, 2012 - PRLog -- A good dose of vitamin D has long been known to help the maintenance of healthy bones. A new study published by the New England Journal of Medicine suggests exactly how much supplementation is needed to aid in the prevention of fractures. i This comprehensive study gathered data from 11 double blind randomized trials from which 30,022 people suffering from hip or non-vertebral fractures were provided with vitamin D supplementation in various amounts.

The results suggested that 800 international units (IU) of vitamin D, daily, may help ease the risk of fractures to the hip and other bones. Although the study’s focus was on the over 65 age group, Osteoporosis Canada also recommends a daily supplementation routine of the sunshine vitamin, year round for all Canadians and brings that down to people over 50 years of age. According to Osteoporosis Canada, those who suffer from osteoporosis or conditions that may hamper the absorption of vitamin D, a higher dose of 800 – 2000 IU is recommended. ii Exceeding this dosage is not recommended without the medical supervision of a doctor.

According to Osteoporosis Canada, supplementation is recommended due to the difficulty of obtaining a sufficient amount of vitamin D through diet alone.

The sun plays a large role in the natural production of vitamin D in the body, which not only aids in calcium absorption, but also in the improvement of muscle function. Due to growing health concerns over sun exposure, and the limited daylight hours we have during the winter months in Canada, the sun is not recommended as a prime source of vitamin D. Coupled with the fact that our skin’s ability to produce vitamin D decreases with age, a growing interest in supplementation is occurring.

Though beneficial, supplementation is not meant to replace a healthy diet and active lifestyle. Choosing the correct supplement is an important step and attention to possible reactions with other medications is vital. Consultation with a doctor is recommended prior to starting any new supplementation routine.

i Bischoff-Ferrari HA, Willett WC, Orav EJ, Lips P, Meunier PJ, Lyons RA, Flicker L, Wark J, Jackson RD, Cauley JA, Meyer HE, Pfeifer M, Sanders KM, Stähelin HB, Theiler R, Dawson-Hughes B. “A pooled analysis of vitamin D dose requirements for fracture prevention.” N Engl J Med. (July 5 2012);367(1):40-9. http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1109617

ii VITAMIN D: AN IMPORTANT NUTRIENT THAT PROTECTS YOU AGAINST FALLS AND FRACTURES.” Osteoporosis Canada – education and support for the risk-reduction and treatment of osteoporosis. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 July 2012.