http://www.jacn.org/cgi/content/abstract/22/2/142
June 18, 2003
NUTRITION NEWS FOCUS
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Today's Topic: Increased Need for Vitamin D

It is known that vitamin D is required for optimum absorption of
calcium.  However, a new study calls into question the normal range of
blood levels of vitamin D suggesting the lower end does not provide
enough vitamin D to enhance calcium uptake.

Women were given a vitamin D supplement followed by a standard calcium
pill.  A year later, the same women were tested again without the
vitamin D.  Absorption of calcium was 65 percent higher when it
followed vitamin D supplementation.  This was found despite all the
women having normal blood levels of vitamin D at both times.  The
study was published in the April 2003 edition of the Journal of the
American College of Nutrition.

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The authors conclude that
the lower end of the normal range for vitamin D is set too low.  This
study is the sort that will probably affect setting of normal intakes
of vitamin D the next time this nutrient is assessed by a panel of
scientists.  Milk, fatty fish and exposure to sunshine (vitamin D is
made in the skin) are the best ways of getting vitamin D.  Lesser
amounts are obtained from eggs, butter, liver, fortified cereals, and
some margarines.