News

Go back

Sep 14, 2020 - Foods

Statement of the BfR on intake of high-dose Vitamin D supplements

The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) published an opinion on July 31, 2020, regarding the health evaluation of the intake of dietary supplements (DS) with a dosage of 50 or 100 µg cholecalciferol (vitamin D precursor).

Vitamin D can be supplied to the human body through diet as well as synthesized by the body through sunlight exposure on the skin (UVB radiation). The dietary intake of vitamin D constitutes only a small portion of the total vitamin D supply, as opposed to the body’s own production, which is why the German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends an estimated value of 20 µg of vitamin D per day in the absence of endogenous production for an adequate intake.

Consumers take high-dose products to increase their vitamin D intake. While overproduction is not possible through the body’s own production, a daily intake of 50 µg or 100 µg vitamin D products over a longer period is currently assumed to pose an increased health risk. As a result of a persistently elevated blood calcium level, in addition to symptoms of fatigue and arrhythmias, vessels may increasingly calcify, which can ultimately lead to impaired kidney function. With occasional intake of these high-dose products, there are currently no immediate health risks expected.

Those who spend time outdoors regularly, expose their skin to sunlight, and maintain a balanced diet, are well-supplied with vitamin D without the need to take vitamin D products. Therefore, from a nutritional perspective, an intake of more than 20 µg of vitamin D per day from food consumption, including the intake of DS, is not necessary.

You can read the BfR opinion here www.bfr.bund.de.

Our customer advisors are happy to assist you with any questions.

Source: www.bfr.bund.de