Previous studies have suggested that vitamin D supplementation offers certain health benefits. However, new research published in the journal The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology suggests that current evidence fails to support the claims of the health benefits of vitamin D supplements and that future studies will unlikely reveal supporting evidence.
In other words, there is little evidence that vitamin D supplementation yield certain health benefits.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble nutrient that enhances the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate. Nicknamed the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D is available through food sources such as spinach, kale, okra, collards, soy beans, white beans, and some fish such as sardines, salmon, perch, and rainbow trout. The body also synthesizes the vitamin after adequate exposure to sunlight. Those with low levels of vitamin C may want to check out the liposomal vitamin c benefits that they are otherwise missing out on.
Vitamin D is considered to be easily absorbed through sunlight and it can help in absorbing calcium from the food we intake.
Individuals who don’t receive enough sunlight are recommended to take vitamin D supplements to improve joint lubrication, reduce arthritis, and protect cartilage joints.
To investigate the health benefit claims of vitamin D supplementation, researchers led by Dr. Mark Bolland of the University of Auckland in New Zealand assessed 40 randomized controlled trials that analyzed the use of vitamin D supplements, with or without calcium supplements.
In regards to reduced mortality, the link to vitamin D was inconclusive.
The researchers, however, conclude that previous studies indicate that vitamin D supplementation is unlikely to reduce the incidence of heart attack, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and bone fractures.
Dr. Bolland comments on the findings to Medical News Today:
“Lots of observational studies that measure vitamin D levels at baseline and compare health outcomes over time between groups with high levels and low levels have reported associations between low vitamin D levels and poor health outcomes. These studies are not able to determine causality because of their design. It is possible that low vitamin D levels are simply a marker of ill health, rather than having a causal relationship.”
The researchers do caution that additional studies need to be performed on vitamin D supplementation in individuals with vitamin D deficiencies:
“Trials of vitamin D supplementation in individuals with more pronounced vitamin D deficiency might produce different result. However, before such trials are undertaken, there should be strong evidential support underpinning the trial rationale, particularly in view of the absence of effects seen in studies done thus far.”
Dr. Bollard additionally does not encourage individuals to reduce their intake of vitamin D, “The main message is that if you are otherwise healthy and active, you are likely to receive enough sunshine to have adequate vitamin D levels and don’t need to take vitamin D supplements.”
Another recent study from researchers at the International Prevention Research Institute in Lyon, France has also cast doubt on the purported benefits of vitamin D supplementation.
Individuals concerned about vitamin D levels should consider getting enough sunlight rather than using supplements as naturally synthesized levels appear more beneficial than supplementation.
References
Doubts cast over benefits of vitamin D supplements: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/269768.php
The effect of vitamin D supplementation on skeletal, vascular, or cancer outcomes: a trial sequential meta-analysis: http://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(13)70212-2/abstract
Study questions health benefits of vitamin D supplementation: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/271589.php
Image Credits
Calcium Supplements with Vitamin D: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:500_mg_calcium_supplements_with_vitamin_D.jpg
