USA Weekend Eat Smart Archive

March 26, 2007

March 26, 2007

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Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D? 

Several recent studies suggest that higher doses of vitamin D than previously thought may strengthen bones, reduce falls in the elderly and slash the risk of cancer -- notably, colon and breast cancer.

But isn't too much vitamin D toxic?

Yes, but the safe limit is much higher than commonly believed, says a new analysis by researchers at Creighton University and the Council for Responsible Nutrition. Based on the latest evidence, they've determined that 10,000 IU of vitamin D a day is nontoxic for most healthy adults.

Currently, the safe upper limit for vitamin D, set by the National Academy of Sciences, is 2,000 IU -- far too low, according to the latest evidence, the researchers say.