Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin D
For the body system: Skeletal System (Bones)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 5

Vitamin D is scientifically validated as essential for supporting the skeletal system, specifically bone health. Numerous studies have demonstrated that vitamin D plays a critical role in calcium absorption in the gut, which is necessary for the formation and maintenance of healthy bones. Without sufficient vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen. Classic deficiency diseases include rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, both characterized by impaired bone mineralization. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency is recognized as a risk factor for osteoporosis, a condition leading to increased bone fragility and fracture risk in older adults. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews have consistently shown that vitamin D supplementation, often combined with calcium, reduces the risk of fractures and bone loss, particularly in populations at risk of deficiency such as the elderly, individuals with limited sun exposure, or those with malabsorption syndromes. These findings are supported by authoritative health organizations, including the Institute of Medicine (now the National Academy of Medicine) and the Endocrine Society, which recommend vitamin D for bone health maintenance. The connection between vitamin D and skeletal health is one of the most robustly documented in nutritional science.

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