I have seen this deceptive report this morning from news sources everywhere on Vitamin D supplementation. Apparently a study of studies by the Institute of Medicine is showing that Vitamin D and Calcium may not need to be supplemented. The trouble is lots of people that I know are getting blood tests showing low Vitamin D, so I would love to know why this study is getting so much credibility.
I have included a bit of the article below from MSNBC who are one of the news organizations that pushed this story this morning.
During the past decade there has been considerable interest — often fueled by the popular media — about potential benefits for Vitamin D supplementation and calcium in many aspects of health, such as for prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease, as well as for immune function and dysfunction.
Vitamin D supplementation Study
Vitamin D supplementation
To address the questions raised by this interest, the U.S. and Canadian governments requested that the IOM undertake a thorough review of the current evidence for the potential benefits and risks associated with various levels of the Vitamin D supplementation nutrient intake, and to update dietary reference values across the life span.
For the past few years vitamin D has been the “it” vitamin, with studies wildly trumpeting the supplement’s role in strengthening bones, reducing the risk of some cancers, heart disease, along with fighting autoimmune diseases and diabetes.
But long-awaited new dietary guidelines say there’s no proof that megadoses of the “sunshine vitamin” prevent cancer, diabetes or other conditions.
While some people will need a bit more vitamin D than they’re already getting, some studies suggest that too much could actually cause some kinds of cancer, according to the panel of experts at the prestigious Institute of Medicine, the health arm of the National Academy of Sciences.
This study, far from telling us that we should not be taking Vitamin D supplementation is saying instead that megadoses are not useful. If you are low in the Vitamin D and Calcium then you do still need to supplement
But it’s far below the 2,000 IUs a day that some scientists recommend, pointing to studies that suggest people with low levels of vitamin D are at increased risk of certain cancers or heart disease.
Differing Opinions on Vitamin D Needs
“This is a stunning disappointment,” said Dr. Cedric Garland of the University of California, San Diego, who wasn’t part of the institute’s study and says the risk of colon cancer in particular could be slashed if people consumed enough vitamin D.
“Have they gone far enough [in raising recommended levels]? In my opinion probably not, but it’s a step in the right direction,” added prominent vitamin D advocate Dr. Michael Holick of Boston University Medical Center, who said the new guidelines draw needed attention to the vitamin D debate and encourage more food marketers to fortify their products with it.
That’s only a bit higher than the target of 400 IUs set by today’s government-mandated food labels, and higher than 1997 recommendations by the Institute of Medicine that ranged from 200 to 600 IUs, depending on age.
So as people tell you today that you do not have to take those multivitamins, instead of just accepting it tell them that it is megadosing that is not useful.
People are still largely deficient in these vitamins and should still consider Vitamin D supplementation.
