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Vitamin D shown to boost bone health

Category: Vitamin D Deficiency-Diagnosis and Treatment

Vitamin D and calcium supplementation may significantly reduce a person's chances of experiencing a fracture related to weakened bones, according to a new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Vitamin D blood testing may help individuals learn if they could benefit from upping their intake of these nutrients.

For the study, researchers from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force examined findings from nearly 50 previously conducted studies. These investigations each assessed the health benefits of nutritional supplementation.

The results showed that the effects of supplementation were different depending on the health status and living situation of patients, but in nearly every trial examined, supplementation reduced the risk of fractures. However, vitamin D needed to be taken in conjunction with calcium to achieve the full benefits.

Furthermore, the investigation suggested that vitamin D may play a role in reducing colon cancer risk, though these findings were less conclusive.

The team said that vitamin D and calcium supplementation may play an important role in supporting the bone health of older individuals. This suggests that seniors may want to think about a vitamin D blood test to measure their nutritional status.