New guidelines issued November 30, 2010 by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) say most American and Canadian adults currently get enough vitamin D and calcium through fortified foods and supplements. The new vitamin D and calcium recommendations suggest only a small increase in the amount of vitamin D North Americans need for bone health.
New Vitamin D and Calcium Recommendations
Although previous research suggests an increased risk of developing diabetes, auto-immune diseases, and even depression with low levels of vitamin D, the IOM found no link to increased risk of these diseases when vitamin D levels are low. Under the new guidelines, people ages one to 70 need 600 IUs and those over 70 need 800 IU, suggests the IOM. The previous recommendations set in 1997 were 200 IU to 600 IU, depending on age.
The new calcium recommendations are those already accepted: kids ages one to three, 700 mg; 700 to 1,000 mg for kids ages four through eight; adolescents ages nine to 18 need 1,300 mg; and 1,000 mg for adults ages 19 through 50. The report suggests most people get enough calcium through food, but girls between the ages of nine and 18 may see some health benefits from taking a supplement. Post-menopausal may currently be getting too much calcium, according to the report.
Report Urges Consumers to Avoid Megadoses
Taking any more vitamin D or calcium than the upper recommended levels has no benefits, says the IOM, and taking megadoses of vitamin D and calcium can lead to serious health consequences such as tissue and kidney damage. The new guidelines set by the IOM suggest an upper level intake of 4,000 IUs daily of vitamin D and no more than 2,000 mg of calcium for those 51 and older, 2,500 mg for everyone else.
Changes Expected for Food Labels and School Lunches
According to the IOM report, these suggested recommendations are widely used by government agencies to set the standards for school meals and nutrition information on food labels. These latest guidelines are expected to affect what’s listed on food nutrition labels and also the composition of school lunches and other government nutrition programs.
Sources:
Institute of Medicine of the National Academies. (30 Nov 2010). Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D Accessed November 30, 2010 from IOM.edu.
Neergaard, L. (30 Nov 2010). “ Report: A bit more vitamin D is good, not too much.” Accessed November 30, 2010 from AP.org.
Jennifer Murray - Jennifer Murray is a freelance writer specializing in nutrition, weight loss and fitness.
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