VITAMIN D

Vitamin D is naturally manufactured in our bodies when we get ultraviolet sun exposure to our skin.  Half of the U.S. adult population has been shown to have Vitamin D insufficiency. 

One summer, at my clinic in Texas, I checked vitamin D levels on 71 women in my practice and 52% were < 30 ng/mL.  Of those 31% were deficient with levels < 20 ng/mL.   Optimum levels are 30 – 50 ng/mL.   

Low vitamin D levels correlate with lower bone mass, higher cancer risk, cognitive decline, obesity, type II diabetes and lower immune function.  People who get little sun exposure, are over the age of 65, have malabsorption issues – celiac disease, gastric bypass or inflammatory bowel disease are at greater risk. 

A “safe” amount for most people to take is 2000 i.u. daily.  Some people do require more.  You can ask your physician to check your “25 hydroxy vitamin D level.”.  Since Vitamin D is fat soluble you can take it weekly.  Excessive vitamin D intake can lead to elevated serum calcium levels that can present as weakness, mental confusion, nausea or kidney stones.  Make sure to have your levels monitored by your physician.