Fracture risk in older Swedish men was elevated only with very low Vitamin D status.

A study in Sweden has examined Vitamin D levels in older men for 11 years.

Using gold-standard methods, these researchers found that when Vitamin D levels (25[OH]D) were below 16 ng/ml the risk of fracture rose. However, only 5% of men fell into this category, and only 3% of all fractures were attributable to low Vitamin D status. This and other studies suggest that a Vitamin D level (serum 25(OH)D) around 20 ng/ml is a safe threshold for bone health.

PositiveTip: Adequate exposure to sunshine remains the easiest way to produce Vitamin D. Otherwise, fortified foods or supplements may be necessary.