• Topic Overview
• Related Information
• References
• Credits

Topic Overview

Vitamin D is vital for calcium absorption in bones and for improving muscle strength. People who do not get enough vitamin D have a higher risk for developing bone thinning (osteoporosis). Getting more vitamin D may help prevent falls in older people who are low in vitamin D.¹ And some studies show that taking vitamin D may reduce the chances of breaking a bone.² Talk to your doctor about checking your vitamin D to be sure you are getting enough.

Most doctors suggest daily vitamin D supplements for children and teens. The amount of vitamin D you need changes as you get older. Talk with your doctor about how much and what sources of vitamin D are right for your child.

The recommended daily intake is 400 IU to 800 IU for adults ages 19 to 50, and 800 IU to 1,000 IU a day for adults age 50 and older.³ You usually can get the amount of vitamin D you need each day by:

• Drinking at least 4 glasses of milk a day or consuming other dairy products that have a similar amount of vitamin D added.
• Being out in sunlight for at least 15 minutes each day without sunscreen. Your body makes vitamin D when it's exposed to sunlight.
• Taking vitamin D supplements. Many calcium supplements also contain vitamin D.

Related Information

• Healthy Eating
• Hip Fracture
• Osteoporosis
• Vegetarian Diets

References

Credits