Vitamin D supplements not linked to kidney stone risk

Some previous studies led to a concern that vitamin D supplementation could increase an individual's risk of developing kidney stones.

However, a recent study has found no statistically relevant association between the two.

The study, led by Cedric F. Garland from University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, used data from the nonprofit public health promotion organization GrassrootsHealth to follow more than 2,000 men and women of all ages for 19 months.

Only 13 individuals self-reported a kidney stone diagnosis during the study.

"Mounting evidence indicates that a Vitamin D serum level in the therapeutic range of 40 to 50 ng per mL is needed for substantial reduction in risk of many diseases, including breast and colorectal cancer," Garland said.

He added that this serum level is generally only achieved by taking vitamin supplements.

The researcher said that the results may lessen concerns by individuals about taking vitamin D supplements, as no link was shown between such supplementation and an increased risk for kidney stones.

The study is published in the American Journal of Public Health.