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Vitamin D

All articles tagged with #vitamin d

Calcium and vitamin D: study upends belief they prevent fractures
health22 hours ago

Calcium and vitamin D: study upends belief they prevent fractures

A BMJ analysis of 69 trials involving about 154,000 adults found that calcium and/or vitamin D supplements offer little to no protection against falls or fractures in older people; the researchers note exceptions for those with osteoporosis or actively being treated for bone disease, and they urge clinicians and regulators to reassess general supplementation guidelines while continuing to emphasize diet and exercise for bone health.

Sunlight May Lower Blood Sugar and Diabetes Risk, New Study Suggests
health2 days ago

Sunlight May Lower Blood Sugar and Diabetes Risk, New Study Suggests

A UK Biobank–based study found that higher short-term UVA sunlight exposure is linked to lower blood glucose levels, and regular sun exposure or solarium use is associated with a lower hazard of developing type 2 diabetes, hinting at vitamin D–independent metabolic benefits of sunlight. However, the study cannot prove causation and sun exposure carries skin cancer risks, underscoring the need for safe, optimal exposure guidance.

Eat for Strong Bones: 7 Everyday Indian Foods That Boost Density
health5 days ago

Eat for Strong Bones: 7 Everyday Indian Foods That Boost Density

A health feature argues that bone health hinges on more than calcium from milk: vitamin D, protein and other nutrients support bone structure, especially as menopause accelerates bone loss. It offers practical Indian-food options—ragi, sesame seeds, curd, soy/tofu, leafy greens, small fish with bones, and pulses—to boost calcium and protein intake, emphasizing variety and consulting a clinician if osteoporosis risk exists.

High-Dose Vitamin D Linked to 4-Point Boost on Brain Test in Early Cognitive Decline
health7 days ago

High-Dose Vitamin D Linked to 4-Point Boost on Brain Test in Early Cognitive Decline

A small observational study of 54 adults with mild cognitive impairment and sleep disturbances found that those taking 5,000+ IU of vitamin D daily scored about four points higher on cognitive testing (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) than peers not taking the supplement; lower doses showed only nominal gains and results were not always statistically significant. The finding held regardless of vitamin D form (D2 or D3). Researchers caution that this shows association, not causation, and call for clinical trials to determine whether vitamin D supplementation can meaningfully improve cognition in people with early cognitive changes. The Mayo Clinic notes a typical recommended daily intake of 600–800 IU (under age 70) and an upper limit of 4,000 IU.

High-dose vitamin D linked to better cognition in older adults with sleep problems and MCI
health9 days ago

High-dose vitamin D linked to better cognition in older adults with sleep problems and MCI

A small, observational study of 54 older adults with mild cognitive impairment and sleep problems found those taking 5,000 IU or more of vitamin D daily scored about 13% higher on the MoCA than nonusers, suggesting a potential link between vitamin D and cognitive health in this at-risk group. However, the study can’t prove causation and researchers urge larger clinical trials. The authors note that vitamin D needs vary, and a high dose should be discussed with a clinician; testing for deficiency and aiming to meet appropriate dietary/sun exposure sources are advised. The NIH upper intake level is about 4,000 IU/day for most adults.

High-Dose Vitamin D Improves Cognitive Scores in Early Dementia Symptoms
health9 days ago

High-Dose Vitamin D Improves Cognitive Scores in Early Dementia Symptoms

A small Emory University study of 54 older adults with sleep problems and mild cognitive impairment found that taking at least 5,000 IU of vitamin D daily was associated with about a 13% higher score on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment than those not taking vitamin D, suggesting potential brain health benefits from high-dose vitamin D, though the authors caution that the sample was small and larger studies are needed; vitamin D deficiency is common and supplementation should be discussed with a doctor, as interactions with other meds can occur.

High-Dose Vitamin D Linked to 13% Cognitive Boost in At-Risk Seniors
health-and-medicine12 days ago

High-Dose Vitamin D Linked to 13% Cognitive Boost in At-Risk Seniors

In a small Emory University–led study of 54 older adults with sleep problems and mild cognitive impairment, daily vitamin D intake of 5,000 IU or more was linked to more than a 13% rise in MoCA cognitive scores versus no vitamin D, suggesting high-dose vitamin D could be a modifiable factor to support brain health during early cognitive decline; results were similar for vitamin D2 and D3, but the research is preliminary and focused on an early-risk window.

Clocking Your Supplements: What the Science Really Says About Timing
health13 days ago

Clocking Your Supplements: What the Science Really Says About Timing

A review of 84 studies finds that for generally healthy adults routine vitamin and mineral supplements offer little protection against heart disease, cancer, or early death and may cause harm when taken without a clear need. When timing matters, it’s about absorption rather than the clock: iron absorption can be sharply reduced by coffee and large calcium-rich meals (with a vitamin C boost helping modestly), while vitamin D is better absorbed with fat-containing meals. B12 timing is less crucial unless absorption is impaired by factors like metformin or acid suppressants. In most cases, follow product instructions, consider addressing definite deficiencies, and consult a clinician before adding supplements, especially if you’re on other medications or taking high doses.

Vitamin D Deficiency Persists in Summer: Surprising Barriers to Getting Enough
health14 days ago

Vitamin D Deficiency Persists in Summer: Surprising Barriers to Getting Enough

Vitamin D deficiency affects around 60% of people worldwide, even in summer, due to a mix of dietary gaps, limited UVB exposure, aging skin, darker skin tones, and certain medical conditions or medications; experts suggest considering vitamin D3 supplements (often 1,000–2,000 IU daily) under a doctor’s guidance, while being mindful that too much vitamin D can affect kidneys and calcium levels, and that sunscreen and pollution can reduce sun-driven production.

Calcium and Vitamin D: The Essential Pair to Protect Your Bones as You Age
health14 days ago

Calcium and Vitamin D: The Essential Pair to Protect Your Bones as You Age

A TODAY health expert explains that two nutrients—calcium and vitamin D—are key to slowing age-related bone loss and reducing fracture risk. Peak bone mass is achieved by puberty, but adults should still meet daily calcium targets (1,000 mg for ages 19–50; 1,200 mg for women 51–70 and all adults 71+) and take a doctor-guided vitamin D dose (600–10,000 IU, with sunlight as a major source). Foods such as milk, yogurt, cheese, kale, fortified juice, sardines and salmon help meet calcium needs; vitamin D is harder to obtain from food and may require sun exposure or supplementation. Combine with regular strength and cardio exercise and avoid excessive supplementation.

Age Gracefully: 5 Supplements Dr. Sood Says Can Help You Stay Strong
lifestyle14 days ago

Age Gracefully: 5 Supplements Dr. Sood Says Can Help You Stay Strong

Dr. Kunal Sood shares five supplements—creatine, vitamin D, omega-3s, magnesium, and protein powder—that may help aging adults preserve strength when paired with resistance training; creatine and adequate protein have the strongest evidence, while the others may support performance by addressing limiting factors rather than directly building muscle.

Silent Signals Your Body Sends About a Calcium Deficiency
health18 days ago

Silent Signals Your Body Sends About a Calcium Deficiency

Calcium deficiency can hide behind subtle signs like muscle cramps, tingling around the mouth or fingers, fatigue, brittle nails, and dry skin, and calcium is vital for muscles, nerves, heart, and bones. Because vitamin D and magnesium affect calcium absorption and regulation, doctors recommend a full blood workup (including vitamin D and parathyroid hormone) and, if needed, a 24-hour urine calcium test, plus bone-density screening as you age. The NIH suggests about 1,000 mg of calcium daily for most adults (1,200 mg for women over 50 and men over 70), prioritizing calcium from foods and using supplements only if labs show a true need to avoid kidney stones and constipation.

Daily Vitamin D Still Low? Here’s What Could Be Blocking Your Levels
health25 days ago

Daily Vitamin D Still Low? Here’s What Could Be Blocking Your Levels

Taking vitamin D every day isn’t always enough to raise blood levels. Vitamin D is fat-soluble and requires fat for absorption, so conditions that affect fat absorption, obesity (which sequesters vitamin D in fat tissue), certain medications, and liver or kidney disease can all blunt its conversion to the active form. Simply increasing the dose won’t fix these issues; follow guidelines and take with a fat-containing meal, but consult a doctor to evaluate underlying problems and tailor treatment rather than chasing higher supplement numbers.

Sunlight in small, steady bursts: a healthier balance for the body
health26 days ago

Sunlight in small, steady bursts: a healthier balance for the body

Moderate, regular sun exposure supports vitamin D production, mood, sleep, and cognitive health, but overexposure raises skin cancer risk. The piece advocates a “middle of the day, little and often” approach: short daily sun bursts, tailored to skin type (lighter skin needs less time; darker skin may require more), with protection during peak UV hours. In winter or high-latitude areas, UVB can be limited, sometimes necessitating supplements or fortified foods. Climate change increases sun risk, so guidance should be personalized and paired with sun-safe habits.