Vitamin D Supplements Don't Provide Health Benefit to People Older Than 70

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found vitamin D supplements yield virtually no health benefits to people older than 70, reports United Press International . A cohort of 70-year-olds consumed 300 micrograms, 600 micrograms, or 1,200 micrograms of vitamin D daily for 12 months without any change in bone mineral density. However, 40 micrograms a day of the supplement was found to help bone metabolism. According to the researchers, older people should focus on eating healthier, getting enough sun, and exercising regularly. "The current guidance is still that people at risk of low vitamin D should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement, as should everyone during the winter months," noted Newcastle University's Terry Aspray. "Work is needed to implement effective strategies to prevent falls and fractures among older people, and to understand the role of medications and dietary supplements in this."