HOW MUCH VITAMIN D IS ENOUGH?

HOW MUCH VITAMIN D IS ENOUGH?

Vitamin D is critical for normal calcium metabolism and plays a vital role in maintaining bone and muscle health.

The vitamin is produced naturally in the skin as part of a reaction involving sunlight but is also consumed in the diet. Many people are vitamin D deficient because they shun vitamin D-fortified food products and don't get much outdoor activity. Adequate vitamin D levels are important for muscle strength, power, speed and preventing falls.

Ensuring adequate vitamin D intake is critical for maximizing muscle and bone health throughout life. The contribution of vitamin D beyond bone health is controversial. The Institute of Medicine recommends that people aged 1 to 70 consume 600 international units (IUs) of vitamin D a day and that people over 70 consume 800 IUs. The guidelines of the Endocrine Society suggest that even higher doses might be beneficial. However, high doses of vitamin D can cause side effects such as high blood calcium levels and
kidney stones. (Endocrine News, November 2014)