We know that calcium is good for our bone, and that Vitamin D comes from the sun. And we also know that putting these two micronutrients together creates a powerful weapon against a number of diseases. So then why does there seem to always be new research negating or changing our understanding of calcium and Vitamin D? Americans are either getting too much or not enough; should be taking a supplement or should not be taking a supplement. As a result, many of us are left wondering how calcium and Vitamin D truly impact our health and how much we actually should be consuming.

Earlier this year, The New York Times published an article titled “Long and Short of Calcium and Vitamin D” which provided a good summary of the negative impact of excessive calcium/Vitamin D supplement intake. The article also reviewed the new daily recommendations for calcium and vitamin D intake as established by the Institute of Medicine in November 2010. Click the link below for the article.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/25/health/25brody.html

Gail Ruth Wikler, RD,CDN