Private MD News

Scientific community split on vitamin D recommendations

Category: Vitamin D Deficiency-Diagnosis and Treatment

A vitamin D test may be more useful now than ever before, as health agencies continue to release conflicting recommendations for daily intake of the nutrient. Individuals may be able to make more informed dietary choices by knowing their status.

The research community has been mostly unanimous in finding that the nutrient plays an important role in overall health. Study after study has connected to improved immune health, better cardiovascular function and even reduced cancer risk.

However, official recommendations have not necessarily caught up to these findings. The Institute of Medicine recently released a new set of guidelines that nearly triple their previous recommendations. Yet their new suggestion of 600 international units for most teens and adults is still less than many researchers say is necessary.

A recent review of previously published clinical studies conducted by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh found that some scientists believe the human body needs closer to 2,000 international units of vitamin D per day. Some say that individuals with special cases need even more.

While there is still much disagreement about the exact number, vitamin D testing can make individuals more aware of their own levels, allowing them to change their diet if necessary.