Vitamin D May Explain Higher Bone Fracture Risk in Vegans

A combination of low calcium intake and low vitamin D exposure may explain higher bone fracture rates in British vegans.

How much vitamin D do we need? Check out:

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Thanks for watching. I hope you’ll join in the evidence-based nutrition revolution!
-Michael Greger, MD FACLM

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[JosephNJ]

Since vegans are at higher risk because they tend to be thin, thus the necessity for at least some resistance type exercise may be prudent.

[njdnjdnjd]

Adding in some heavy (relative to you) weights or kettlebell deadlift and squats could t hurt. Plus it really strengthens your muscles.

[sillyhead]

This video was even more eloquently written than usual. Great job Dr. Greger and team.

[Jack-tkub]

As a British vegan in winter, thanks for the reminder to take my vitamin D supplement lol

[AF-keby]

Dr. Greger, I hope there are researchers out there, watching your content for ideas.

[lukebrisbane]

A comparison between UK vegans and Vegans in Queensland Australia where there's lots of sunshine (where I am from) would likely answer this question.

[vinwillcock]

Maybe the vegan’s are more active and therefore have a higher risk factor?

[linedezainde]

The more I watch videos and read articles about vitamins, the more confused I get. Is there a general "recipe" or chart for what I will need to take when I get 100% vegan? I don't want to injest a ton of tablets every day.

[morocotopo]

I live in the UK and Vitamin D is the only supplement I take together with B12. It makes all the sense!

[earthmamma]

Everyone, even people who eat animal products should supplement in some way if they do not spend enough time in sunshine. More so in the winter.

[TranceHeed]

I’ve just started taking vit D again. I’m in Scotland, winter is here.

[hideota]

This isn't related to this video, but I'd like to see a video on vitamin A level in vegans. I recently watched a video saying that the conversion rate of beta-carotene to retinol in the human body is 3% at the most and therefore it's best to get vitamin A from animal sources that's already retinol.
Since I started taking B12 and D supplements, my energy level has increased and I've been experiencing the importance of micronutrients myself. So I'd like to learn about other micronutrients in plant-based lifestyle.

[Edaryion]

Thank you, interested to hear that video once the test results are published.

[Horse]

Please test trace mineral supplements. People who eat seaweed and deep sea fish might get enough trace minerals but I doubt anyone else does unless they supplement as I do.

[hugomarquez]

I supplement with B12 (once a week), D3 (everyday), and Omega 3 (twice a week), plus a multi every other day for insurance. The doses I take are pretty conservative (1000 IU for D, 500 combined DHA EPA for omega 3), I just want to cover the required to not leave any gaps (particularly with the multi for zinc, iodine, magnesium, some calcium and some more B12).

[CataNavarro]

Had to check my D3 levels. Doctor says it is rare for someone to have normal levels like mine, then I explained that I follow doc Greger advice taking 2000UI daily. 1 drop of 5000UI every 3 days is all it takes.

[nicn]

Are there any differences in what type of vitamin D3 you take? I have been taking the vegan version, one derived from wild lichen instead of lanolin. I'd be interested in that topic if there are any research on each of their bioavailability too. Thanks so much!

[TCMcGowan]

Thank you for this. I am always hesitant to take anything other than B12 but if winter levels of D really does increase bone fracture risk, I will supplement during the winter. Thanks so much.

[gabriel]

I think it’s individually, for example for me ( male 55 old) living in Denmark 🇩🇰, I take 2 drops of vitamin D 3 twice a week. And b12 3 times per week ( 500 mg) and I have all the levels fine .
1 year ago I took same amount daily and its was too much.
Thanks 🙏

[etiennerobert]

What about Calcium in children and teenagers, do they need to supplement ?