Questionable Benefits Of Vitamin D

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - We have heard it many times before: vitamin D can help prevent osteoporosis. But a new study suggests this might not be true.

A review of 23 previously published studies suggests that unless you have a specific risk factor for vitamin D deficiency it might not make a big difference.

The researchers looked at blood levels of vitamin D, comparing them alongside the actual bone density in different parts of the body, to see if higher vitamin D really made a difference. There was no real advantage to taking the vitamin D supplements for most people. However not all of the people in these studies were taking calcium which can help with absorption of vitamin D.

Bottom line, the discussion continues. At this point, most experts support vitamin D especially when it is part of the diet.