Researchers monitored the use of vitamin D supplements in the U.S. and noted its increases.
A new research showed that the use of vitamin D supplements marked significant rises in the United States over the past years. Also, the study suggests that these may be slightly too much or even potentially damaging.
The recommended daily dose of such supplement for adults up to 70 years old is of 600 international units or IUs. For users 70 or older, the suggested dosage is of 800 IUs.
According to the study, in 2014, some 3 percent of the U.S. adult population took over 4,000 UIs on a daily basis. In doing so, they also crossed what is set as the safety limit. For the 2007 to 2008 period, in contrast, the percentage of people doing so reduced to just 0.2 percent American adults.
Vitamin D Supplements: No Excess Recommended
“More may not always be better with vitamin D. There’s not much research on longer-term health outcomes on high-dose supplements,” stated Mary Rooney.
She is the study’s author and a postdoctoral student part of the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
Previous research found that a heightened vitamin D intake could be potentially linked to excess calcium in the blood. This, in turn, can cause blood vessel deposits.
Also, the researchers believe that the sometimes excessive use of vitamin D supplements could be explained by the fear of not getting enough vitamin. This is a crucial element in maintaining a good bone health, pointed out the team.
Vitamin D supplements are commonly used for trying to counteract deficiencies in this vitamin. These are also a frequent occurrence worldwide.
For the study, the team analyzed vitamin D supplements consumption trend for in between 1999 to 2014. Data came from surveys involving almost 40,000 people.
In the 2007 to 2008 period, for example, some 0.2 percent of U.S. adults were taking 4,000 IUs on a daily basis. For 2013 – 2014, the percentage rose to 3.2.
In between 1999 to 2000, another 0.3 percent of adult Americans were taking 1,000 IUs each day. For 2013- 2014, this value also rose to over 18 percent of the population.
The researchers noted that this upwards trend was detected among all gender, age, and ethnicity groups. As the effects of a heightened use of such supplements are still somewhat unknown, Rooney suggested talking to a doctor before deciding to increase vitamin D dosages. Specialists should also be consulted deciding to take higher doses of any supplement, in general.
A research letter with the study finds is available in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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