Studies have suggested higher levels of vitamin D might raise our risk of developing painful kidney stones , leaving consumers and clinicians in a quandary about taking supplements.
Researchers now say they find no link to higher vitamin D levels and kidney stone formation in a study that included 2 ,000 people.
Levels of the vitamin studied were between 20 to 100ng/mL.
During the study period , only 13 people developed kidney stones that were self-reported.
"Mounting evidence indicates that a Vitamin D serum level in the therapeutic range of 40 to 50 ng/mL is needed for substantial reduction in risk of many diseases , including breast and colorectal cancer ,” said Garland in a press release.
A low level of vitamin D has also been linked to: u
Older age , male gender and increased body mass index , but not higher levels of vitamin D , were found to increase a person's chance of kidney stones , the study found.
Optimal levels of the vitamin are still the subject of debate. The Vitamin D Council recommends keeping your level in the 50 ng/ml range.
Garland said the finding should alleviate concerns from prescribing clinicians that supplementing with vitamin D to keep levels 40-60ng/mL raises the risk of kidney stones.