Vitamin D research

Vitamin D research. Strong bones require Vitamin D and anyone wanting to prevent or reverse Osteopenia or Osteoporosis needs to understand that D3 is the form they need.....and what the research shows about this important vitamin.

During 2010 Ditamin D began to 'hit the headlines'. Some websites and blogs began to claim that patients with Osteopenia or Osteoporosis should start taking very large doses of this vitamin.

Many of these claims were exaggerated and some of the advice could prove dangerous to many patients since persons with very high levels of this vitamin may be at risk for cardiovascular issues such as atrial fibrillation.

Guidelines about the use of this vitamin from the Mayo Clinic

"Vitamin D is included in most multivitamins, usually in strengths from 50 IU to 1,000 IU as softgels, capsules, tablets, and liquids. The Adequate Intake (AI) levels have been established by the U.S. Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences.

Recommendations are: 5 micrograms (200 IU or International Units) daily for all individuals (males, female,pregnant/lactating women) under the age of 50 years-old.

For all individuals from 50-70 years-old, 10 micrograms daily (400 IU) is recommended.

For those who are over 70 years-old, 15 micrograms daily (600 IU) is suggested. Some authors have questioned whether the current recommended adequate levels are sufficient to meet physiological needs, particularly for individuals deprived of regular sun exposure.

The upper limit (UL) for vitamin D has been recommended as 2,000 IU daily due to toxicities that can occur when taken in higher doses."   Mayo Clinic

University of Maryland Medical Center Vitamin D research, guidelines:

First piece of advice from the Medical Center staff is to consult with your medical doctor.  They also offer these guidelines based on Vitamin D research.

Pediatric guidelines:

• Infants birth to 12 months: 5 mcg (200 IU)
• Children 1 - 8 years: 5 mcg (200 IU)
• Children 9 - 13 years: 5 mcg (200 IU)
• Adolescents 14 - 18 years: 5 mcg (200 IU)

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends 400 IU of vitamin D daily for breastfed infants until they are weaned and drinking at least 1 liter of whole milk or formula fortified with vitamin D. The AAP also recommends that children and teens who drink less than 1 liter of milk a day take 400 IU of vitamin D

Adult guidelines based on Vitamin D research.

• 19 - 50 years: 5 mcg (200 IU)
• 51 - 70 years: 10 mcg (400 IU)
• 70 years and older: 15 mcg (600 IU)
• Pregnant and breast-feeding females: 5 mcg (200 IU)

Precautions: Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.

Taking too much vitamin D can cause a number of side effects. However, scientists do not all agree on how much is too much. The National Institutes of Health has set the maximum upper limit at 1,000 IU daily for children to age 12 and 2,000 IU daily for adults. But some researchers believe those limits are too low.

Ask your doctor to determine the right dose for you. If you wish to buy this supplement, you will find that Amazon offers many brands.