Increased vitamin D intake seems to not increase the risk of kidney stones

A new US study reduces concern that vitamin D supplementation may be associated with an increased risk of developing kidney stones.

The observational study measured serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in 2,012 men and women of all ages and documented cases of kidney stones for 19 months (1). The study results showed no statistically relevant association between a vitamin D ¨serum level in the range of 20 to 100 ng/mL and the incidence of kidney stones. However, older age, male gender and higher body mass index (BMI) were all risk factors for developing kidney stones.

The researchers commented that mounting evidence indicates a vitamin D serum level between 40 and 50 ng/mL would be needed to substantially reduce the risk of many diseases, including breast and colorectal cancer. According to the scientists, this serum level can generally only be achieved by taking vitamin supple- ments. Individuals with a high BMI need a higher vitamin D intake than their leaner counterparts to achieve the same blood vitamin D concentrations.

1. Nguyen S. et al. 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the range of 20 to 100 ng/mL and incidence of kidney stones. American Journal of Public Health. Published online October 2013.