Is vitamin D overhyped?

We know that vitamin D is good for our bones. But can the so-called sunshine vitamin also strengthen our immune system and lower our risk of illnesses like diabetes, heart and kidney disease, high blood pressure and cancer?

A recent New York Times article addresses that question and concludes that the excitement about vitamin D is still far ahead of the science. Deborah Martinussen, a registered dietitian at Baycrest, agrees. While the benefit to bone health is well established, she says research is only preliminary in many other areas.

Those considered most at risk for vitamin D deficiency are older, have diabetes or kidney disease, don’t get enough sun, or have darker skin. But, as Martinussen points out, there is no consensus yet on how much of the vitamin is enough. Should recommended dietary intakes be increased significantly for the entire population or just for those considered to be at risk?

Vitamin toxicity is another concern, especially for vitamins like vitamin D that are not easily excreted by the body, she adds, and higher than recommended doses could lead to serious health problems.

Martinussen would like to see more large clinical trials to find out who needs to take vitamin D supplements, what the safe dosages should be, and what are the potential benefits beyond stronger bones. In the meantime, she recommends following Canada’s Food Guide as the best way to get all the nutrients necessary for good health, including vitamin D. However, if you are concerned, ask your doctor to test your levels to determine if you would benefit from a vitamin D supplement.