A recent study shows that supplements are offering inconsistent quantities of vitamin D compared to what is found on the label. The study, led by Kaiser Permanente Centre for Health Research in Portland, Oregon, showed that over-the-counter supplements contained as much as 9 to 140 percent of the compound per dose. The centre found that other pills in various pharmacies were also ambiguous with regards to the dosage, which prompted the initial test.
The study involved 12 separate manufacturers, providing 55 bottles of vitamin D supplements, which were tested by the team of researchers. The bottles supposedly offered a range of doses, ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 international units, or IUs. In reality, the amounts varied drastically – in fact, just one brand provided the dosage it was labelled as offering.
Vitamin D is needed by the body in order for it to absorb calcium and phosphates effectively. When you consume fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin D, the intestinal tract absorbs it with the help of lipids so that they can be distributed throughout the body. Such vitamins can accumulate in the body which can lead to a condition known as hypervitaminosis – this can lead to symptoms such as fatigue or vomiting due to the toxic levels in the body. Overdosing on vitamin D can lead to kidney damage, so it’s vital that you watch your intake levels. In comparison, consuming too little can lead to rickets, which is the softening of the bones.
Adults should be consuming just 600 IUs of vitamin D each day – while the body can synthesise this from sunlight, there are few foods which offer this nutrient so many people opt for supplements. The study has highlighted the lack of consistency in various brands, which could pose a problem in knowing just how much vitamin D you’re really getting. A more refined quality control process needs to be put in place in order for consumers to be able to maintain their vitamin consumption.
Comments are closed.