Vitamin D and calcium study concerns use of supplements

Simply because they help with strong bones and teeth, many products come with added calcium and vitamin D. Vitamin D may play a role in preventing cancer and autoimmune diseases. Many people, though, may be getting an excessive amount of vitamin D. At least, that is the finding of a recent Institute of Medicine study. Source of article - Vitamin D and calcium study questions use of supplements by Personal Money Store.

Studying vitamin D at the Institute of Medicine

Over 1,000 studies have been published on calcium and vitamin D. These have been about the benefits and use of the two. The Institute of Medicine has been working on reviewing the studies. They found commonalities between the studies. Being a nonprofit company the Institute of Medicine advices the United States of America government. Its evaluation of vitamin D and calcium finds that many people won't benefit from more than 600 to 800 international units (IU) of vitamin D and 700 to 1,300 milligrams per day.

The help from vitamin D and calcium

Right now, the way vitamin D works in the body is unknown. Scientists do not have an answer. It could be absorbed through sunlight or ingested from food and health supplements. Diabetes, multiple sclerosis, lupus and other diseases that are autoimmune are prevented better with vitamin D amounts at a healthy level. There is better regulation with vitamin D. This is just on the genes that these diseases come from. Foods like cheese, milk, oily fish and nuts all have vitamin D and calcium.

Damaging with too much vitamin D

Though vitamin D and calcium are very significant in the body and may help prevent disease, too much could be a bad thing as well. If you get an excessive amount of vitamin D, you could get kidney damage. Also, plaque might build up within the heart with too much. Many health supplements contain significant amounts of vitamin D, and it's possible that many people are overdosing by taking health supplements. In a decently balanced diet, most people should be able to get enough vitamin D from their food. When on a supplement, be careful. Check to see how much vitamin D you are taking.

Data from

CNN

cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/11/30/vitamin.d.calcium/index.html?npt=NP1

Business Week

businessweek.com/news/2010-11-30/vitamin-d-calcium-supplements-may-be-unnecessary.html