Vitamin D ビタミンD

In Japan: Foods with Nutrient Function Claims and the Dietary Reference Intakes

Wording allowed (current)

“Vitamin D is a nutrient that promotes the absorption of calcium in the intestines and helps with the formation of bones.”

Amount per daily serving

1.65-5.0 μg (within this range, the wording above may be used without notification)

Proposed revision

“Vitamin D is a nutrient that helps with the absorption of calcium.”

“Vitamin D is one of the nutrients that helps build bones.”

Amount: 2.70-5.0 μg

Referred to the Consumer Commission on July 17, 2026. The proposal includes a transition period allowing the current wording until March 31, 2030.

Dietary Reference Intakes (2025, ages 30–49)

Adequate intake 9.0 μg (men and women) / tolerable upper intake level 100 μg

In the EU: the register of health claims

EU-authorised claimIn the register: 12 authorised, 3 not authorised

• Claims such as function of bones, teeth, and muscles, immune function, and absorption of calcium are authorised.

In the EU, only health claims whose evidence has been assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and authorised by the European Commission may be used on food. “Not authorised” means the evidence for that claim was not established under EU standards — not that the ingredient is dangerous.

What the US NIH says

• Large trials (such as VITAL) have not confirmed a clear effect in preventing diseases other than bone disease (heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, depression, cognitive function, and others).
• Taking too much raises blood calcium and leads to kidney stones and other problems. It interacts with statins, some diuretics, and the weight-loss drug orlistat.

Sources: MHLW eJIM "Vitamin D"

Other ingredients in the same categories

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B12
• Folate (folic acid)