High doses of vitamin D are safe for older people, according to new research that challenges the conclusions past studies that have suggested mega-doses of the vitamin pose a risk.
The findings, published in the
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, are based on an analysis of 236 nursing home residents given 20,000 IUs of vitamin D per week for a year,
MedPage Today reports.
Lead researcher Timothy Green, of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, and colleagues found that patients who took high-dose vitamin D for at least six months were able to boost their levels to appropriate concentrations without suffering ill effects.
Alert: Is Your Brain Aging too Fast? Discover Your Brain's Real Age Here.
They concluded giving high-dose vitamin D to nursing home patients is "feasible and safe and eliminates vitamin D insufficiency."
Seniors in assisted living are at risk of having low vitamin D levels because of reduced exposure to sunlight, and limited intake from food sources. Some studies have shown that giving vitamin D can reduce the risk of fractures and falls.
The American Geriatrics Society recommends 4,000 IU per day of vitamin D for older patients, but the new research suggests higher levels may offer benefits without raising risks.
© 2026 NewsmaxWorld. All rights reserved.