2023-10-31 18:11:10
New Statement by Federal Institute for Risk Assessment on Vitamin D Supplements
In a recent statement, the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has stated that there is no general answer to the question of whether everyone should take vitamin D supplements. According to the BfR, the body can store vitamin D in fat and muscle tissue, and those who spend plenty of time outdoors in spring and summer, and have a balanced diet that includes fatty fish at least twice a week, usually have sufficient vitamin D stores.
The BfR found that people who fall into this category do not benefit from taking vitamin D supplements. Several studies have shown that they are not less affected by cancer, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, bone fractures, and falls compared to those who do not take vitamin D supplements.
However, there are certain groups of people who are particularly at risk for vitamin D deficiency. This includes individuals who spend little or no time outdoors or who, for cultural or religious reasons, only go outside with their bodies completely covered. People with dark skin also belong to the risk groups, as the high content of the skin pigment melanin reduces their ability to produce vitamin D. Additionally, older people are at risk because vitamin D production decreases significantly with age.
According to the BfR, individuals who want to supplement their vitamin D intake should use dietary supplements with up to 20 µg (800 international units) of vitamin D per day. The BfR further emphasized that even when taken long-term and considering other sources of vitamin D, this dose is not associated with any health-related effects. High-dose vitamin D preparations should only be taken under medical supervision.
Some clinical studies have shown that taking an additional 100 µg (4,000 IU) of vitamin D daily over a longer period of time can lead to negative effects. Older women experienced a greater decrease in bone density, there was an increased risk of falls, and people with heart disease showed a deterioration in heart function compared to the control group. In extreme cases, vitamin D poisoning has been observed, requiring intensive medical treatment and even leading to irreversible kidney damage requiring dialysis.
In light of these findings, the BfR recommends that individuals should have their vitamin D status determined through a blood test conducted by their doctor. It is important to discuss with a healthcare professional whether additional vitamin D intake is necessary and what the appropriate dosage would be.
In conclusion, the BfR’s statement highlights the importance of individual assessment when considering vitamin D supplementation. While some individuals may benefit from supplementation, it is crucial to be mindful of the potential risks and to seek medical guidance.]
#Vitamin #unnecessary