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Yes. Vitamin D is essential in order to keep the bones strong and prevent bone problems such as osteopenia and osteoporosis. It helps the intestines to absorb calcium from the food a person eats. Having both calcium and vitamin D in the required amounts is essential to ensure that the bones are dense and strong.
As published in the Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, “Due to the relative lack of vitamin D-containing foods, supplements of vitamin D are often necessary to achieve an adequate intake. The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) recommends an intake of 800 to 1000 international units (IU) of vitamin D3 per day for adults over age 50”.
For Indians, the National Institute of Nutrition recommends an EAR of 400 IU and an RDA of 600 IU while emphasising the importance of an outdoor physical activity as a means of achieving adequate vitamin D status in a tropical country like India.
Research states that people who have vitamin D deficiency are at higher risk of osteopenia, osteoporosis and osteomalacia, which can lead to fractures. Vitamin D sufficiency can be sustained by adequate sun exposure or ingesting at least 600 IU.
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