Health & Fitness - How much vitamin D is enough?

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How much vitamin D is enough?

ROCHESTER, Minn. (UPI) -- Recommendations vary on how much vitamin D is enough but 800 to 1,000 international units is likely to benefit most adults, a U.S. newsletter says.

The July issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource reports the body produces vitamin D when exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays but many people need a supplement to reach recommended levels. Many multivitamins contain vitamin D but the nutrient, also found in milk, can be purchased alone or combined with calcium.

Vitamin D deficiency is increasingly recognized as an important cause of muscle pain and weakness, the newsletter says.

Several studies have found vitamin D supplements may benefit muscle strength and balance, helping older adults stay steadier on their feet and observational research indicates low levels of vitamin D increase the risk of some cancers.

In addition, some research indicates lower vitamin D levels are associated with factors that affect cardiovascular health, including coronary artery calcification and, possibly, congestive heart failure.

In one study, researchers found a 40 percent lower risk of multiple sclerosis in women who supplemented their diet each day with at least 400 international units of vitamin D, the newsletter says.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International

This news arrived on: 07/14/2008

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