Experts caution on vitamin D, calcium
Source: Agencies |
December 1, 2010, Wednesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
MOST people in the United States and Canada get plenty of vitamin D and calcium, and may damage their health by taking too many supplements, experts advised yesterday.
While both are important for healthy bones, North Americans may be confused about how much they need, the Institute of Medicine committee said. Contrary to popular wisdom, many Americans and Canadians get plenty of vitamin D from the sun and do not need extra supplements to keep their bones strong, the expert panel advised.
"National surveys in both the US and Canada indicate that most people receive enough calcium, with the exception of girls ages 9-18, who often do not take in enough calcium," the report reads.
"In contrast, postmenopausal women taking supplements may be getting too much calcium, thereby increasing their risk for kidney stones."
Many foods are fortified with vitamin D and calcium, from milk to breakfast cereal and orange juice.
The committee, led by nutritionist Catharine Ross of Pennsylvania State University, looked at a variety of studies.
Most people know that calcium is needed to build and keep bones strong and a few studies have linked low levels of vitamin D to a range of diseases from cancer to multiple sclerosis. "We scrutinized the evidence, looking for indications of beneficial effects at all levels of intake. Amounts higher than those specified in this report are not necessary to maintain bone health," Ross said in a statement.
While both are important for healthy bones, North Americans may be confused about how much they need, the Institute of Medicine committee said. Contrary to popular wisdom, many Americans and Canadians get plenty of vitamin D from the sun and do not need extra supplements to keep their bones strong, the expert panel advised.
"National surveys in both the US and Canada indicate that most people receive enough calcium, with the exception of girls ages 9-18, who often do not take in enough calcium," the report reads.
"In contrast, postmenopausal women taking supplements may be getting too much calcium, thereby increasing their risk for kidney stones."
Many foods are fortified with vitamin D and calcium, from milk to breakfast cereal and orange juice.
The committee, led by nutritionist Catharine Ross of Pennsylvania State University, looked at a variety of studies.
Most people know that calcium is needed to build and keep bones strong and a few studies have linked low levels of vitamin D to a range of diseases from cancer to multiple sclerosis. "We scrutinized the evidence, looking for indications of beneficial effects at all levels of intake. Amounts higher than those specified in this report are not necessary to maintain bone health," Ross said in a statement.
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