A bit of caution on vitamin D (study in goats)

[Guest guest]

Regardless of what Vieth and the IOM people are saying, though, this

is the type of study that tends to make one a bit cautious:

-------------------------------

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=PubMed & list_uids=3\

968586 & dopt=Citation

J Nutr. 1985 Feb;115(2):167-7.

Dietary calcium and vitamin D: risk factors in the development of

atherosclerosis in young goats.

Hines TG, son NL, Beitz DC, Littledike ET.

Effects of supplemental dietary calcium and vitamin D on lipid

distribution and aortic mineralization were examined in young goats.

Twenty-four goats, 2-4 wk of age, were allotted one of four dietary

treatments for a 20-wk period and fed a basal milk diet (Basal), a

calcium-supplemented diet (Basal + Ca), a cholecalciferol-enriched

diet (Basal + D3) or a diet with both calcium and cholecalciferol

(Basal + Ca + D3). Goats in the Basal + Ca group had plasma

cholesterol concentrations that were 16.6% of those of the Basal

group. Percentage absorption and fecal excretion of total lipids were

unaffected by dietary treatment. Generally, total lipid and

cholesterol concentrations were unaltered in liver, other viscera and

carcass tissues. Dietary cholecalciferol increased concentrations of

cholesterol and total lipid in aortas, whereas dietary calcium

decreased total lipids in aortas. Concentrations of calcium, magnesium

and total ash were increased in aortas by dietary treatment, with a

marked increase observed in the Basal + Ca + D3 group. Sudan IV and

gross calcium staining in aortas revealed both lipid and mineral

deposition that confirmed composition data. A high intake of vitamin D

accompanied by excessive intake of calcium seems to accelerate the

development of atherosclerosis. Supplemental calcium with normal

amounts of vitamin D, however, is hypocholesterolemic and seems

protective against the atherogenic process.

So you may prevent osteoporosis, and you may not get prostate cancer

(I'm sure the women on the board are sighing in relief at this), but

you may calcify all your arteries.

So go figure. It pays to be cautious with the vitamin D. Me

personally I'm staying below 800 IU/day, and only in late

fall/winter/early spring (Chicago).