Vitamin D is considered a beneficial supplement for several reasons, primarily related to bone health and its role in calcium absorption. It is essential for maintaining proper bone structure and preventing diseases like osteoporosis in adults and rickets in children¹². Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is necessary for bone health¹.

While Vitamin D can be synthesized in the body through exposure to sunlight, supplementation might be needed, especially in regions with limited sunlight exposure or for individuals who have difficulty obtaining sufficient Vitamin D from their diet³. Foods are often fortified with Vitamin D because it is naturally present in only a few food sources².

However, there is mixed evidence regarding its benefits beyond bone health. Some studies suggest possible links between Vitamin D deficiency and other health issues such as autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and even some infections, but more research is needed to conclusively determine these associations⁴.

Vitamin D supplementation is generally recommended for individuals with low serum levels of Vitamin D, particularly in older adults to help reduce the risk of fractures and falls⁵. It's important to manage the dosage carefully as excessive amounts can cause negative effects such as hypercalcemia, which might lead to more severe health issues².

Footnotes

1. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Vitamin D ↩ ↩²

2. The Mayo Clinic: Vitamin D ↩ ↩² ↩³

3. PubMed: Vitamin D Supplementation ↩

4. PMC: The Health Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation ↩

5. PubMed: Vitamin D Supplementation ↩