Some of the most popular vitamin supplements may give consumers a false sense of security about getting Vitamin D, experts warn.
An analysis has found that dozens of products on the market contain far less Vitamin D than recommended for adults - even though the labels claim to provide "100% of the daily requirement".
Health authorities recommend that adults and children over four years of age get about 10 micrograms of Vitamin D per day, especially during the fall and winter months when sun exposure is limited.
Vitamin D, known as the "sunshine vitamin," is produced by the skin through sunlight and is also found in foods such as fatty fish, eggs, and fortified cereals. It is essential for healthy bones, teeth, and muscles.
The problem lies in labeling: many products are still based on an old European standard of 5 micrograms, which today is only half the recommended amount.
This means that a 5 microgram supplement can legally be labeled as “100% of the daily requirement,” even though in reality it only covers 50% of the current recommendation.
Experts warn that this discrepancy could confuse consumers, who believe they are getting the right amount when in fact this is not the case.
Analysis shows that many of the lowest-dose products are in “gummy” form, and often require taking several pieces to reach the stated dose – making it even more confusing for users.
For example, some products contain only 1.5 micrograms per dose, while others contain 2.5 or 5 micrograms. On the other hand, there are supplements with much higher doses, up to 45 micrograms, but still within safe limits.
Another difference is the type of vitamin: some products use Vitamin D2, while others use Vitamin D3, which is usually considered more effective for increasing Vitamin D levels in the blood.
Although excessive intake of Vitamin D is rare, in extreme cases it can cause problems such as high calcium levels, kidney damage, nausea, and weakness.
In practice, many common supplements provide only half – or even less – of the recommended daily dose, despite claims on the labels.
Dietary supplements are legally regulated and must have clear labels with ingredients, recommended dosage, and safety warnings. However, they are not considered drugs and cannot claim to prevent or cure disease.
For this reason, experts advise that consumers read labels carefully and not rely solely on "100%" claims, but check the real amount of Vitamin D they are getting. /GazetaExpress/
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