Review questions recent official vitamin D guidance

Conclusion So, who's right? The authors of the BMJ review are certainly correct in their argument that, ideally, we can get all the vitamin D we need through a combination of diet and sensible exposure to sunlight. They are also right that the evidence does not show that people with normal levels of vitamin D benefit from taking supplements. But we don't live in an ideal world. The truth is many people in the UK eat unhealthy, vitamin D-poor diets and also don't get enough exposure to sunlight. A sensible approach would be to consider taking vitamin D supplements as recommended, but also be alert for possible signs of excessive vitamin D levels causing a build-up of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia). Warning signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia include loss of appetite, feeling and being sick, and needing to pee frequently.    Links To The Headlines Vitamin D pills branded 'waste of time' and could even be 'harmful' according to new research. The Sun, November 24 11 2016 Evidence does not back vitamin D supplements, says BMJ. ITV News, November 24 2016 Ditch vitamin D pills . . . just get some sun: Healthy lifestyle and diet 'is all most of us need'. Daily Mail, November 24 2016 Links To Science Bolland MJ, Avenell A, Grey A. Should adults take vitamin D supplements to prevent disease? BMJ. Published online November 23 2016 Spector TD, Levy L. Should healthy people take a vitamin D supplement in winter months? BMJ. Published online November 23 2016
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Food/diet Medication Medical practice QA articles Source Type: news