New York, New York - December 19, 2011
We've been hearing a lot about Vitamin D over the past few years. Now new research weighs in on whether it's effective at preventing fractures or cancer.
Sixty-four year-old Dianne Rigo has been taking Vitamin D for 10 years. "I take a thousand unit daily," she said.
Studies have suggested that taking vitamin D supplements can reduce bone fractures In older adults. Now a new review of the latest research shows Vitamin D, combined with calcium, does lower the risk of fractures, especially in older women. But taking Vitamin D alone is not effective.
It's controversial," said Dr. Stephen Honig with NYU's Hospital for Joint Diseases, "very hard to glean from the literature if Vitamin D can prevent fractures.
Vitamin D has also been studied for its role in preventing cancer, but researchers say they still need more evidence. And high doses of D can cause other health problems like kidney stones. But when it comes to preventing bone fractures doctors say Vitamin D and calcium work together.
"Vitamin D helps absorb calcium. Calcium is critical to bone health," Dr. Honig said.
The problem is that everyone absorbs Vitamin D differently, so it's important to check with your doctor about the right amount to take.
Doctor Honig recommends older patients like Rigo take Vitamin D supplements if their levels are low. A government panel will use the new information to recommend the best dose of Vitamin D for good health.
Randall Pinkston - CBS News
