Vitamin D Does Nothing for Bone Health, New Zealand and Study Finds

Vitamin D has long been hailed as a great source boosting bone health, however a new study from researchers in New Zealand say there is no truth to that claim.

Researchers from the University of Auckland in New Zealand analyzed 23 studies which included 4,082 healthy adults with an average age of 59. According to those surveyed for the study, those who took vitamin D supplements for about two years didn't have greater bone density or lower risk of osteoporosis than those who didn't take them.

"Our data suggest that the targeting of low-dose vitamin D supplements only to individuals who are likely to be deficient could free up substantial resources that could be better used elsewhere in healthcare," Dr. Ian Reid, lead study author, said in a statement.

The studies took place in several countries around the globe, including the UK, US, Norway, Finland, and Australia. Findings were published October 11 in the journal The Lancet.

The researchers found that taking vitamin D pills didn't increase bone mineral density at the hip, spine, forearm, or in the body as a whole.

"Most healthy adults do not need vitamin D supplements," says Reid. "Our data suggest that the targeting of low-dose vitamin D supplements only to individuals who are likely to be deficient could free up substantial resources that could be better used elsewhere in healthcare."

"This systematic review provides very little evidence of an overall benefit of vitamin D supplementation on bone density. Continuing widespread use of vitamin D for osteoporosis prevention in community-dwelling adults without specific risk factors for vitamin D deficiency seems inappropriate."

The researchers found a 0.8 percent increase in bone density at the femoral neck, but they said that such a localized effect is unlikely to be clinically significant.

"In North America and Europe particularly, more than half the adult population have their vitamin D level assessed and take vitamin D supplements," said Reid. "Some advocates have suggested that the indicator level for needing vitamin D supplements has been quite high."