In Iceland, researchers concluded that vitamin D was necessary for preventing bone loss. The study analyzed levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates blood levels of calcium, an important element in reducing osteoporosis-linked bone loss. The study found that sufficient levels of the hormone depended more on vitamin D than calcium. Adequate vitamin D intake ensured ideal PTH levels, yet high calcium intake, without sufficient vitamin D, did not maintain ideal PTH levels. Researchers concluded that daily recommendations for vitamin D intake should be adjusted upward.

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