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Ask An Expert

Is Vitamin D Okay to Take?

Toni J. Brayer

Toni J. Brayer, M.D.

Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation

California Pacific Medical Center

Question:

I read on your site that calcium supplements are not advisable as it contributes to heart disease, but calcium ingested in food doesn't. I'm reluctant to take supplemental calcium, but have continued to take Vitamin D on the days I'm not in the sun.

Answer:

A number of studies have shown that supplemental calcium is linked to both heart attack and kidney stones in some people. For this reason, women are encouraged to get their calcium from food and dairy products and to only take supplemental calcium when advised by their physician for treatment of certain conditions.

Adequate vitamin D is also essential for good health but there are no links to heart disease from vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D levels can be measured in the blood and supplements should be taken only if these measurements are low.

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