Final answer:
The statement that some scientists believe vitamin D recommendations should be higher is True. Vitamin D is critical for calcium absorption and limited in diet, leading to potential deficiencies. Higher recommendations are being considered due to these risks, especially for populations with limited sun exposure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that some scientists believe that the vitamin D recommendation should be much higher than currently set is True. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the body, enhancing the absorption of calcium from the intestine and thus maintaining normal calcium concentration. It can be produced by the body through exposure to sunlight, with the action of sunlight on the skin triggering the body to produce vitamin D. However, sources of vitamin D are fairly limited in food, with fatty fish like salmon and tuna and fortified foods like milk or cereal being the main dietary providers.
Due to limited dietary sources, the body's reliance on sunlight exposure, and factors like pigmentation and geographic location affecting the endogenous production of vitamin D, there is a debate surrounding the adequacy of current vitamin D recommendations. Those advocating for higher recommendations highlight populations at risk of deficiency, especially those with darker skin, living at northern latitudes, or with limited sun exposure due to lifestyle or cultural practices.
For example, teenagers are recommended to get 5 micrograms (200 IU) of vitamin D every day, and different sources provide varying quantities. A 3½-ounce portion of cooked salmon provides 360 IU, while an 8-ounce glass of milk is fortified with about 100 IU of vitamin D. Considering the body's need for vitamin D and potential deficiency risks, some scientists argue for increased dietary recommendations to ensure sufficient levels for optimal health.