Vitamin D has 'no effect' on the healthy

A new study suggests that Vitamin D doesn’t have the beneficial effect on healthy adults some have suggested.

14:43 11 October 2013

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Auckland suggests that Vitamin D doesn’t have beneficial effect on bone density, which is a sign of osteoporosis.

The research was participated by 4,000 healthy individuals who took the supplements for an average of two years. The trial took place in a number of different countries, which include the US, the UK, Australia, Holland, Norway, and Finland.

The researchers then conducted a meta-analysis of all the randomised trials and examined the effects of Vitamin D supplementation on the bone mineral density in healthy adults up to July 2012.

The researchers noted a small increase in bone density at the neck of the femur near the hip joint. However, the author noted that this effect is unlikely to be clinically significant.

Prof Ian Reid, lead study author, from the University of Auckland, said: "Our data suggest that the targeting of low-dose vitamin D supplements only to individuals who are likely to be deficient could free up substantial resources that could be better used elsewhere in healthcare."

At present, vitamin D is encouraged for children and the elderly.