Q. I read recently that women who take vitamins die sooner than women who don’t. That puzzled me, but the vitamin I am especially concerned about is vitamin D. My doctor has made it clear that if I don’t get enough, I am risking weak bones.
How would I know if I were vitamin D deficient? If I were, how should I get more? And isn’t vitamin D one of those that can be toxic?
A. Results from the Iowa Women’s Health Study surprised many researchers with its finding that a number of supplements, especially copper and iron, were associated with a higher risk of dying during the two decades it lasted (Archives of Internal Medicine, Oct. 10, 2011). Although the scientists collected data on vitamin D use, women who took this vitamin were no more likely to die during follow-up.
In fact, vitamin D is crucial for bones, heart, muscles and the immune system. We offer our Guide to Vitamin D Deficiency, with advice on how to tell if you’re deficient and what to do about it. There is a list of vitamin D rich foods and guidelines on how much you should be getting to avoid toxicity.
