Scientists from Harvard Medical School found that taking vitamin D did not affect the sexual development and growth of adolescents. Research published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.
Vitamin D deficiency is common among children living in temperate climates and has previously been associated with stunted and stunted growth, less muscle mass, obesity, and precocious puberty. However, most of the studies were observational and did not have a placebo group.
Nearly 9,000 children from Ulan Bator, Mongolia, where vitamin D deficiency is common, participated in a new controlled study.
The analysis showed that high weekly doses of the vitamin (14,000 IU) increased serum vitamin D levels, but did not affect the height or body composition of school-aged children.
The results contradict previous studies where lower daily doses of vitamin D (300-800 IU) resulted in increased adolescent growth parameters in regions where vitamin D deficiency is common. The authors call for further research to develop evidence-based recommendations for vitamin supplementation.