Concerns that vitamin D supplements can increase an individual's risk of developing kidney stones are unfounded, new research shows.
 

In a study published in the American Journal of Public Health, scientists at the University of California-San Diego who tracked more than 2,000 men and women for 19 months found no association between high vitamin D levels in the blood and the incidence of kidney stones.
 

Just 13 individuals reported a kidney stone during the study.
 

"Mounting evidence indicates that a vitamin D [blood level] is needed for substantial reduction in risk of many diseases, including breast and colorectal cancer," said lead researcher Cedric F. Garland.

"Our results may lessen concerns by individuals about taking vitamin D supplements, as no link was shown between such supplementation and an increased risk for kidney stones."
 

The study did show that older age men with a higher body mass index (BMI) were more likely to develop kidney stones.