The Zoomer Report: More Vitamin D for Osteoporosis

Zoomer | November 11th, 2010

We’ve reported many findings on the benefits of Vitamin D. Here’s the latest: Osteoporosis Canada has come to the conclusion that we can prevent this debilitating disease by dramatically upping vitamin D consumption.

Osteoporosis afflicts about two million Canadians often leading to hip fractures and other painful bone breaks that contribute to premature death.

The new recommendation is that people over 50 should take between 800 International units to 2,000 IU daily, which is more than double the previous guideline. Younger people need less, between 400 to 1,000 IU.

The review said Canadians should have no safety worries about taking up to 2,000 IU a day without medical supervision and even more under a doctor’s care because “there is no convincing evidence of adverse effects” of daily intakes up to 5,000 IU a day.

Osteoporosis Canada is the third major public health group to say Canadians need more vitamin D, joining the Canadian Cancer Society and Canadian Pediatric Society.

Besides preventing osteoporosis, it may also cut the risk of a host of other common chronic ailments, including breast, colon and other cancers, heart disease and multiple sclerosis

Photo ©iStockphoto.com/ Phil Date

About The Zoomer Report

Libby Znaimer, a prominent Canadian journalist specializing in business, politics, and lifestyle issues, is producer and host of The Zoomer Report, a special feature on topics of interest to baby boomers and the 50+. It covers everything from health and wealth to leisure and volunteerism, from the special vantage point of the generation that has changed society in its wake.

Ms. Znaimer is also Vice-President of News and Information for Classical 96.3FM and AM740. Her first book, “In Cancerland – Living Well Is The Best Revenge” – was published in October 2007 by Key Porter.

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