A new study published this week in The New England Journal of Medicine has bolstered the case that so-called higher levels of vitamin D are actually “natural” levels of the Sunshine Vitamin, countering some highly-publicized criticisms of vitamin D’s role in bone health.

The study, a meta-analysis of previous papers, showed that higher vitamin D levels reduce the risk of hip fracture and other bone brakes. Some previous reports had challenged that belief, but this paper showed that the previous studies didn’t use enough vitamin D to even effect the subjects’ vitamin D blood levels.

What does this mean?

“In an editorial, Dr. Robert Heaney of Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, said the problem with the conflicting studies may be that most have failed to consider each person’s vitamin D levels to start with,” Reuters reported. “Giving it to people who already have enough, or not giving enough to people with very low levels, may show no benefit, he said. ‘In this regard, as in several other respects, nutrients are unlike drugs. Once an adequate concentration has been achieved, additional intake has no effect,’ said Heaney.”

To read the Reuters report click here.