A new study, published in The Lancet, examined the effects of vitamin D supplements on bone mineral density.  Existing literature has identified that, without simultaneously administering calcium supplements, vitamin D does little to prevent fractures.  However, more than half of adults older than 50 years of age continue to take vitamin D supplements for osteoporosis prevention.  The researchers in this study identified that healthy adults without specific risk factors related to vitamin D deficiency do not need to take vitamin D supplements.

In a review of the study, the Telegraph notes that study used data from over 4,000 healthy adults with an average age of 59.  Overall, they found an increase of 0.8 percent in bone density at the top of the thigh bone.  The researchers argue that such a small change is unlikely to make a significant difference in osteoporosis or fracture prevention.

The National Health Service (NHS) in the U.K. currently spends over ₤80 million on vitamin D-based prescription medications.  Based on their findings, the researchers argue that it may make more sense to target vitamin D prescriptions for those with specific risk factors related to bone density.  In doing so, the NHS, a consistently under-resourced agency, would be able to free up valuable resources for health needs.  However, a director from Public Health England counters that the current government guidelines on prescribing vitamin D supplements are based on needs other than the prevention of osteoporosis.

An earlier study in The Lancet Neurology examined the connection between vitamin D and multiple sclerosis.  The researchers found a potential connection between lower risk of multiple sclerosis and vitamin D nutrition.  Specifically, vitamin D had a small, but protective influence against the body developing multiple sclerosis.  Another study, published in Neurology, found a connection between vitamin D deficiency and Parkinson’s disease.

The Vitamin D Council reports that vitamin D is important for good overall health, strong and healthy bones, functioning of muscles, heart, lungs and brain, and fighting infection.  The body produces vitamin D from sunlight and in very small amounts from certain foods.  Vitamin D is unlike most other vitamins.  Specifically, the body is able to make its own vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight.  However, the body is unable to make other vitamins and must obtain them from foods.  For example, in order to get the vitamin C the body needs, one must eat a sufficient amount of fruits and vegetables.