The Benefits of Vitamin D - How Much is Too Much - New Research Suggests Upper Limits

We've explored previously the Benefits of Vitamin D and how there is considerable controversy about how much is too much.

A recent study by researchers in Israel sheds  light on the upper safe levels of Vitamin D  supplementation, especially as it relates to heart health. Previously researchers had observed a link between high blood levels of D and cardiovascular problems but research was inconsistent with no consensus on the upper level.

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A study to be published in The Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM) in June 2013 claims to have determined the upper safe limits for Vitamin D blood levels.  The results will help doctors in monitoring patients' Vitamin D levels to ensure they get the benefits of Vitamin D but avoid any pitfalls, especially as they relate to a risk of cardiovascular death.

The study, which comprised 422,000 people aged 45 and over, found that the safe range of blood levels of Vitamin D lie between 20 ng/mL and 36 ng/mL. Those having a blood level above 36 ng/mL were found to have significantly higher risk of death from cardiovascular causes than those within the range.

The study linked inadequate levels of Vitamin D  (below 20 mg/mL) to a 1.5 increase in cardiovascular morbidity: elevated levels above 36 ng/mL related to a 1.3  increase in cardiovascular death.

Let's keep this in perspective. Nobody should be throwing out their Vitamin D supplements just yet. 

The study noted that the majority of participants (60%) are D deficient suggesting, like other studies have, that inadequate vitamin D levels are more of a problem than excess levels. By contrast, only a small number  of study participants (3%) had blood levels above 36 ng/mL, suggesting again that excess Vitamin D is far less a problem population-wise than inadequate levels.

Press here to read more about the health risks of insufficient Vitamin D.

The take home message regarding Vitamin D? Make sure you get enough - the majority of people over 45 don't. But don't get too much. If you supplement, get your blood levels checked and make sure they remain below 36 ng/mL.

For more info on the Benefits of Vitamin D including related information on diet and health, check the below links...

Healthy Balanced Diet

Zinc

Vitamin D

Calcium

Vitamin C

Omega 3s

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Press here to read more about the Benefits of Vitamin D and how to get enough via diet, sunlight and supplements.

Press here to  read about Vitamin D foods.

Press here to read about the Benefits of Calcium.

Press here to read about the Benefits of Magnesium.

Press here to read more about Vitamin Benefits generally.

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