Should you be taking Vitamin D?

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Vitamin D supplements could help strengthen bones. But we've also heard that supplements don't help. So what should you believe?

There are contradictory reports about the benefits of Vitamin D supplements. Most agree that we don't get enough Vitamin D and recommend increasing intake, either through food or supplements to strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis and fractures

But several trials have tested Vitamin D supplements, and found no benefit in preventing fractures, and a government task force recommended against supplements. So what's the right answer?

An analysis in this week's New England Journal of Medicine looked at several trials involving more than 31,000 people age 65 or older, and concluded that those who took high doses of Vitamin D - 800 units or more - had a 30 percent decrease in the risk of fractures.

Why did they see such a benefit where others had failed? The crucial aspect is that the new study looked at people who had followed instructions and actually taken the supplements.

If you need the supplement and you take the supplement, you'll get the benefit.