The Business of Vitamin D: Myths, Marketing, and Medical Truths

2024-04-08 19:03:24

Documentary & Reportage | Theme Monday

The business of vitamin D

There is often talk of “vitamin D deficiency” as a widespread disease, with dire consequences for those affected. But what does taking additional vitamin D really do? And is it even dangerous under certain circumstances? Are we falling victim to a particularly clever marketing strategy? Endocrinologist Martin Fassnacht from the Würzburg University Hospital says: Yes! “There are numerous studies that have examined whether taking vitamin D alleviates or even prevents any diseases. And the result is very clear: No, it doesn’t.” He finds the doses that influencers and self-proclaimed vitamin D gurus recommend on the Internet to be worryingly high. Those who actually have a clinical deficiency often do not have it because they do not produce or supply enough vitamin D. But because his kidney is not functioning properly due to illness. Even giving medication from the pharmacy was of no use.
Image source: ORF/Bavaria