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American Bone Health has closed.  However, on October 1, 2023, we joined forces with the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) so that BHOF could continue offering all of the important programs and services created by American Bone Health. Please visit www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org for more information about the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation.

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About Vitamin D

Research indicates that a sufficient blood level of this hormone, vitamin D, is associated with fewer deaths from heart disease; breast, colon, and prostate cancer; hypertension, and the autoimmune conditions multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes. (Science tidbit: vitamin D is considered a hormone because it can be manufactured in our bodies and it reaches our intestine via the bloodstream to signal an increase in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus.)

Vitamin D deficiency

An understanding of the role of vitamin D and concern over what appears to be a nationwide deficiency epidemic is increasing. In 2008, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported the results of a study that looked at the vitamin D status of the U.S. population from 1988–1994 compared with 2000–2004. Overall, the researchers concluded that average blood levels of vitamin D had declined significantly from the earlier period — possibly related to changes in body mass, lower milk consumption, and the use of sunscreen.

Vitamin D testing

With concern over their patients’ nutritional status growing, more doctors are testing blood levels of vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) levels and prescribing supplements.

Caution is in order

Though the excitement over the positive health benefits of vitamin D seems warranted, some authorities have suggested that caution is in order. They point to the relatively few randomized clinical studies that have been performed and to the little that is known about optimal dosage levels. The issue of cause-and-effect is also in question. That is, healthy people typically have good levels of vitamin D — a positive correlation — but, there are likely to be other contributors, such as outdoor exercise and non-smoking, to their good health.


Posted: 02/17/2019; Revised: 05/29/21. 
As a service to our readers, American Bone Health provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of the last review on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

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