Vitamin D is Lacking in Americans, Elderly at Risk for Fractures

Two new vitamin D studies add to the now overwhelming body of vitamin D data that says Americans need more vitamin D to prevent fractures and live healthier and longer. The first study found that taking greater than 400 IU¹ of vitamin D per day significantly reduced fractures in the elderly. The second study showed that during the past decade vitamin D levels had fallen by 6 points in American population.

The first study was a meta-analysis of existing vitamin D studies, which shows that a person needs to take more than 400 IU per day of vitamin D to reduce fracture risk. The data showed that a higher dose of vitamin D reduced nonvertabral fractures by 20% and hip fractures by 18%. The best outcomes were in individuals who had attained the highest blood level of vitamin D through supplementation.

A second study showed an alarming drop in the blood levels of vitamin D² across America over the past 15 years. The advice to stay out of the sun appears to be shortening the lifespan of Americans and setting the stage for multiple diseases. Three fourths of teenagers and adults are lacking in vitamin D. Blood levels of 30 nanograms per milliliter to 40 nanograms per milliliter may be needed for optimum health, while the average American is now at 24.

"Current recommendations for dosage of vitamin D supplements are inadequate to address this growing epidemic of vitamin D insufficiency," the authors conclude. "Increased intake of vitamin D (1,000 international units per day or more)—particularly during the winter months and at higher latitudes—and judicious sun exposure would improve vitamin D status and likely improve the overall health of the U.S. population"

It is pretty darn obvious that something as simple as increased intake of vitamin D at all ages, especially in the winter months, can have a profound benefit to health. Why is the FDA sitting on its hands with its head in the sand?? Answer – the FDA just can't stand to admit that vitamins actually promote health and prevent disease – they would rather people be deficient and have health problems. FDA management is too busy defending the profits of Big Pharma drugs that are injuring millions of Americans each year.